Description

There’s nothing more comforting than waking up to the warm aroma of cinnamon, caramel, and baked apples filling your kitchen. This Caramel Pecan Apple French Toast Bake is perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or a special occasion. Inspired by classic autumn flavors, it combines tender slices of bread with sweet, spiced apples, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of rich caramel. The result is a cozy, indulgent dish that will become a favorite tradition for family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 cup chopped pecans
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for serving
Butter, for greasing the baking dish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
In a medium bowl, combine apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg; toss to coat.
Arrange half of the bread cubes in the baking dish. Layer half of the apples over the bread, then sprinkle half of the pecans. Repeat with remaining bread, apples, and pecans.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, remaining brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, remaining cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Pour custard evenly over the bread and apple layers, pressing gently so bread absorbs the liquid.
Drizzle 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the top.
Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Bake covered for 45–50 minutes until center is set. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more for a golden top.
Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serve with extra caramel, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best custard absorption; brioche or challah works well.
Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal.
Prepare ahead by soaking overnight for convenience.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Serve with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or maple syrup for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour or overnight soaking)
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes