Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Sit back and relax while your home fills with the divine scents of cinnamon, baked apples, and brown sugar! My apple cinnamon French toast casserole is quick to prepare and perfect for the fall season. Topped with maple syrup and powdered sugar, this breakfast treat is nothing short of delectable. 

Apple cinnamon French toast bake

Sweet breakfast lovers – this one’s a gift to you. My cinnamon apple French toast casserole is made with all the delicious fall flavors you could ask for: stewed apples, pecans, and cinnamon spice.

I love making breakfast casserole because it’s quick to throw together, great for meal prep, and still looks great for serving. I’ve also shared recipes for Sweet Croissant Breakfast Casserole and Sausage French Toast Casserole in the past, so be sure to check them out. 

But first, my apple cinnamon French toast casserole, layered with sweet Brioche bread and eggs for a boost of protein. It tastes just like your favorite French toast recipe, only better.  

So without further ado, let’s get baking!

Ingredients needed

Here’s a little bit about everything that goes into my cinnamon apple French toast casserole:

• Brioche bread: I use 2 loaves of sliced Brioche bread as the base of this breakfast casserole, diced into big cubes.  
• Pecans: For a classic fall ingredient, I use 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans. They add a nutty crunch and good protein content, pairing well with the warm spice combination. I also recommend using a few for topping!
• Apples: Apples are one of my favorite fall fruits. This casserole uses 2 peeled and diced apples, adding a fruity explosion to each bite. 
• Eggs: No breakfast casserole is complete without eggs. This recipe calls for 10 eggs, giving it a healthy dose of protein and making it extra filling. 
• Milk: For moisture, this recipe needs 2 cups of milk. Feel free to use whichever kind you prefer or have on hand. 
• Brown sugar: 1 cup of brown sugar adds ample sweetness to this French toast casserole. I use half in the base mixture, along with the other half in the buttery topping. 
• Spices: For a tried-and-true combination, I mix 2 tsp cinnamon with 1 tsp nutmeg. 
• Vanilla: 2 tsp of vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness and flavor to this dish. 
• Salt: To enhance all of the ingredients in this recipe, I add 1/4 tsp salt. 
• Butter: Butter helps keep this recipe from drying out, adding moisture, fat content, and extra flavor. You’ll need one stick, or ½ cup. 
• Powdered sugar: Dust your finished casserole with powdered sugar for a pretty and delicious topping. 
• Maple syrup: This French toast casserole is practically begging for a bit of maple syrup! I recommend serving with plenty, though you can also enjoy the casserole as is. 

Kitchen tools required

Gather a few kitchen essentials to make my apple cinnamon French toast bake, including:

• 9×13 casserole dish
• Cutting board
• Kitchen knife
• 2 large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Small microwave-safe bowl

You’ll also need some measuring cups, including 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1 tsp, and 1/4 tsp.

How to make apple cinnamon French toast casserole

The first step for this breakfast casserole is to heat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray. 

Prepare your ingredients by slicing 2 loaves of Brioche bread into big cubes. Then, roughly chop 1 cup of pecans and peel and dice 2 large apples into bite-sized chunks. 

Add your chopped ingredients to a large bowl and set aside. 

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 10 eggs, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. 

Pour your completed egg mixture over the bread bowl, tossing just until each bread cube is evenly coated. You don’t want to overmix as this will make your casserole soggy! Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish. 

Add ½ cup butter to a small bowl and microwave for a few seconds at a time until melted. Whisk in the remaining ½ cup of brown sugar and pour it over the top of your French toast casserole. 

Pop your dish in the oven and bake for 70-80 minutes; when it’s done, it will be brown and crispy on top. 

Let your French toast casserole cool for 10 minutes before digging in!

Recipe tips

Below are some common apple cinnamon French toast casserole questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!

How to serve apple cinnamon French toast casserole

Serve this apple cinnamon French toast bake warm, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and maple syrup to your taste. 

This casserole is perfect for breakfast or brunch, serving a crowd with minimal prep work.

Complete the fall vibes with a warm drink – coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate, whatever you’re craving. 

Toppings for apple cinnamon French toast casserole

You can really make a dish special by playing with toppings. Here are a few fun options for you to consider:

• Cream cheese glaze
• Stewed apples
• Candied pecans
• Caramelized bananas
• Caramel drizzle
• Toasted coconut 

Savory breakfast casserole ideas

While I find sweet breakfasts perfectly delightful, sometimes you’re just in the mood for something savory! Try one of my savory breakfast casserole recipes next:

• Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
• Sweet Potato Egg Breakfast Casserole
• Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole

Storing leftovers

To store leftover French toast casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. I recommend covering the top with tin foil to prevent it from drying out. 

You can also re-heat individual portions in the microwave, covering your plate with a damp paper towel and heating for about a minute. 

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Have a sweet tooth? Try more of my sweet and satisfying breakfast ideas:

• Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
• Banana Date Smoothie
• Peanut Butter Energy Bars
• Raspberry Oat Muffins
• Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa