Name: Baked Apple Cider French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12–14-ounce/340–400g) loaf French bread, brioche, or challah; 6 large eggs; 1 cup (240ml) apple cider; 1 cup (240ml) whole milk; 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; pinch cinnamon; pinch salt; 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter; 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (about 4 cups/500g); 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider; 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (90g) pecan halves; Confectioners’ sugar; Maple syrup; Salted caramel sauce

Ingredients

1 (12–14-ounce/340–400g) loaf French bread, brioche, or challah*

6 large eggs

1 cup (240ml) apple cider

1 cup (240ml) whole milk

1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

pinch cinnamon

pinch salt

1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter

4 medium apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (about 4 cups/500g)*

1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider

1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup (90g) pecan halves

for serving: confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and/or salted caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the bread into 1-inch-wide slices. Let the sliced bread sit out uncovered for a few hours or up to 1 day. (If short on time, see recipe note below for a shortcut.)

Step 2: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or any 3.5–4-quart baking dish, or spray with nonstick spray.

Step 3: In a medium bowl with a pour spout, whisk together eggs, apple cider, milk, brown sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Dip each bread slice in the custard mixture, soaking both sides, then arrange slices in the prepared baking dish side by side. Pour any remaining custard over the bread. Set aside.

Step 5: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes until apples slightly soften. Remove from heat and stir in pecans.

Step 6: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the bread slices and pour any leftover sauce from the skillet over the top.

Step 7: Cover the casserole tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 1 day. This soaking step is key to achieve a custardy texture.

Step 8: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Step 9: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes. Then cover with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 25–35 minutes, until the center is set and no longer runny. Total bake time is 45–55 minutes.

Step 10: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. It will deflate slightly as it cools. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and drizzle with maple syrup or salted caramel sauce if desired.

Step 11: Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread for the best soaking and texture, or freeze fresh bread and thaw before slicing as a shortcut.

Try different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness and texture.

Substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts if preferred.

Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for a boozy twist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, brioche, challah, or French bread all work well. The key is a sturdy bread that soaks up the custard without falling apart.

Do I have to soak the casserole in the refrigerator?

While you can bake it immediately, soaking the casserole for at least 3 hours helps the bread absorb the custard fully, resulting in a richer and more custardy French toast bake.