Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

If you love French toast but hate standing over the stove flipping the slices, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is about to become your go-to breakfast. It’s cozy, it’s crowd-pleasing, and it’s way easier (and less messy!) than making French toast one piece at a time. And it’s somehow even tastier!

Loaded with tender apple slices, warm cinnamon spice, and fluffy bread cubes baked to golden perfection, this casserole has all the goodness of classic French toast-without the hassle. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a holiday brunch, or just want to meal prep something delicious for the week, this dish checks all of those boxes.

And the best part? It tastes just as good reheated as the day you bake it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It feeds a crowd: Perfect for family breakfasts or holiday gatherings.
• Comfort in each bite: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples baked into rich challah or brioche bread.
• It can be as sweet as you like: Delicious with or without maple syrup.
• Convenient: Simple prep, easy make-ahead option, and stress-free serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this casserole:

• Bread: A loaf of challah or brioche gives you the soft, pillowy texture French toast dreams are made of. Cube into 1-1.5-inch pieces for the best bite.
• Apples: Granny Smith brings tartness, Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Thin slices give you lovely apple slivers in every bite.
• Eggs + Milk: This duo creates the custard that soaks into the bread. Use whole milk for richness or 2% if you prefer.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the custard and topping (swap for coconut sugar if you like).
• Spices: Cinnamon + nutmeg = instant cozy vibes.
• Vanilla & Salt: A little depth and balance.
• Pecan Topping: Melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans create a crunchy, caramelized crown.
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar and of course maple syrup for serving.

If you’re a freak for apples (Christian is one of those) then you’ve GOT to try my mini mason jar apple pies too!

How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

This recipe is as easy as layer, whisk, pour, and bake!

Prep the bread: Cut your loaf into cubes (about 1-1.5 inches). Bigger cubes = fluffier casserole.

Slice the apples: Use a mandolin if you have one for thin slices. If you go thicker, sauté the apples for a few minutes so they soften.

Layer it on up: Grease a 9×13 dish. Alternate bread and apple slices-bread, apples, bread, apples, bread.

Mix the custard: Whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour evenly over the bread and apples.

Soak: Let it sit 30 minutes at room temperature-or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead version.

Make the topping: Melt butter, whisk in brown sugar, then stir in pecans until it forms a paste. Drizzle over casserole.

Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10-20 minutes until golden brown.

Rest and serve: Let it cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or just as-is!

Looking for another easy, tasty, and cozy baked breakfast? Check out my Ultimate Classic Banana Bread recipe!

Tips for Success

When it comes to pulling off the perfect French toast bake, the little details make a big difference. Bigger bread cubes will give you a lighter, fluffier texture, while thinner apple slices help the fruit soften and distribute evenly throughout the casserole—no stovetop pre-cooking required. If you’d like to make mornings easier, assemble the dish the night before and bake it fresh the next day. And don’t worry about leftovers-this bake reheats SO well, whether you warm it in the oven for the best texture or in the microwave when you’re short on time.

Variations & Swaps

This recipe is flexible enough to suit your preferences and needs. If you’re gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread and it will still bake up beautifully. For a nut-free version, you can skip the pecans altogether or try adding oats to the topping for some extra crunch. Want to make it feel festive?
Add in raisins or dried cranberries for a holiday twist. And if you prefer a lighter bake, using only half a loaf of bread will give you a less dense casserole without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Ideas

There’s no wrong way to enjoy this casserole. It makes a wonderful centerpiece for a weekend family breakfast or a cozy addition to holiday mornings like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter. You can also bring it along to a potluck or brunch party to impress your friends with minimal effort. And if you love a little meal prep magic, portion it into slices and keep them in the fridge for easy grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.

Storage & Reheating

Storing and reheating this bake couldn’t be easier. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days, and when you’re ready to enjoy another slice, reheat it in the oven to bring back that freshly baked texture. If you’d like to save some for later, portion the casserole into slices, freeze them individually, and then reheat in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through. Of course, the microwave works too when you need a quick fix.

Skip the stovetop and treat yourself (and your crew) to this cozy, comforting Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake. It’s easy, it’s flavorful, and it’s guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing!