Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
This Christmas Morning Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is the ultimate make-ahead holiday breakfast. Soft, custardy, layered with cinnamon apples, and finished with a light cream cheese drizzle — perfect for prepping the night before and baking Christmas morning.
Creator: Leslie Stokes
There are certain recipes that instantly feel like Christmas, and this apple French toast bake is one of those for me.
Every year on Christmas morning, while the house is still quiet and the kids are slowly waking up, this is what we bake. It fills the kitchen with the smell of cinnamon, apples, butter, and warm bread — the kind of cozy, nostalgic smell that just feels like the holidays.
This is my favorite version of a French toast casserole because it’s soft and custardy, never dry, layered with tender cinnamon apples, and finished with just a light cream cheese drizzle instead of heavy frosting. It feels special without being over-the-top sweet.
And the best part?
Everything is prepped the night before, so Christmas morning is easy, relaxed, and actually enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a Christmas morning breakfast that feels festive, feeds a crowd, and lets you stay out of the kitchen — this is it.
Why You’ll Love This French Toast Bake
Perfect make-ahead Christmas breakfast
Soft, custardy center with lightly golden edges
Warm cinnamon apple layer throughout
Finished with a light cream cheese drizzle (not thick frosting)
Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
Cozy, classic, and holiday-worthy
Make It the Night Before (Highly Recommend)
This recipe is designed to be prepped ahead.
Assemble completely through the custard step
Cover tightly
Refrigerate overnight
Bake fresh Christmas morning
It actually turns out better after resting overnight because the bread fully absorbs the custard.
Tips for Best Texture
Use stale or day-old bread if possible
Don’t overbake — soft center is key
Let the apples cool slightly before layering
Keep the drizzle light — a few tablespoons goes a long way
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Individual portions: microwave 30–45 seconds
Larger portions: cover with foil and warm at 300°F
Freezing:
You can freeze baked portions without the drizzle. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
Ingredients
French Toast Bake
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread cut into thick cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups whole milk or half & half
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg optional
- Pinch of salt
Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 –4 tbsp milk to thin
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Let's Make It
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cook 5–7 minutes, just until softened and glossy.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Add half of the bread cubes to the dish.
- Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the bread.
- Top with remaining bread cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour evenly over the bread.
- Gently press the bread down so everything is soaked.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Remove dish from the fridge while the oven preheats.
- Uncover and drizzle a little melted butter over the top (this helps create a golden, bakery-style finish).
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until puffed, lightly golden, and just set in the center.
- (It should still be soft and custardy — not dry.)
- Gently melt the cream cheese (microwave in short bursts or over very low heat).
- Whisk until smooth.
- Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk.
- Add more milk 1 tablespoon at a time until thin and drizzle-able. This is meant to be light, not thick frosting.
- Spoon or slice the French toast bake onto plates and finish with a light drizzle of cream cheese glaze.
- Optional: maple syrup
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition (Estimated per serving)
Based on 8 servings
Calories: ~360
Protein: ~9g
Carbohydrates: ~52g
Fat: ~14g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~24g
Nutrition will vary based on bread and milk used.
