Ingredients
For the French Toast Base
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche (about 14-16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Apple Topping
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
For the Streusel Crumble
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
Optional Garnishes
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped pecans
- Whipped cream
- Fresh apple slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Place the cubed bread evenly into the dish.
Step 2: Make the Apple Cider Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Apple cider
- Milk
- Maple syrup
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes.
Gently press the bread down with a spatula so it absorbs the liquid.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Topping
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add:
- Diced apples
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Maple syrup
Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples begin to soften.
Allow to cool slightly.
Step 5: Make the Streusel
In a small bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until coarse crumbs form.
Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 6: Assemble
Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator.
Spread the cooked apples evenly over the soaked bread.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly across the surface.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until:
- The top is golden brown
- The center is set
- The streusel is crisp and lightly browned
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the final 10 minutes.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking.
This helps the custard set and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with:
- Warm maple syrup
- Dusting of powdered sugar
- Fresh whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Chopped toasted pecans
- Extra sautéed apples
Expert Tips
Use Day-Old Bread
Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better and creates the perfect texture.
Choose Flavorful Apples
Great choices include:
- Honeycrisp
- Granny Smith
- Fuji
- Gala
- Pink Lady
Make It Ahead
Assembling the casserole the night before enhances flavor and saves time in the morning.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Letting the French toast sit after baking helps the custard fully set.
Variations
Apple Pecan French Toast
Add 1 cup chopped pecans to the streusel topping.
Caramel Apple French Toast
Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked casserole before serving.
Apple Cranberry French Toast
Add ½ cup dried cranberries to the bread mixture.
Maple Walnut Version
Replace pecans with chopped walnuts and increase maple syrup slightly.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, but apple cider provides a richer, deeper apple flavor.
Can I prepare it the night before?
Absolutely. Overnight soaking actually improves the texture and flavor.
What bread works best?
Brioche, challah, French bread, or Texas toast all work wonderfully.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Apple Cider French Toast is everything you want in a comforting breakfast casserole—soft custard-soaked bread, warm cinnamon apples, and a buttery streusel topping baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy make-ahead recipe that brings the cozy flavors of fall to your table and is guaranteed to become a favorite for holiday mornings and family brunches.
