This Apple Streusel French Toast Bake is a cozy, fall-ready breakfast that combines tender cinnamon rolls, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy pecan streusel. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly mornings, guests, or weekend brunches.
As the air turns crisp, familiar autumn flavors—apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar—start to smell and taste especially inviting. While pumpkin often takes center stage, apples are just as essential to the season. This baked French toast brings apples front and center in a decadent, shareable casserole.
Because it’s easy to prepare and feeds a crowd, it’s a great option for overnight visitors or for bringing to early tailgate breakfasts. The sweetness from the cinnamon rolls blended with spiced apples and a buttery streusel means this dish disappears fast, so consider doubling the batch if you’re feeding a large group.
Ingredients to Make Apple Streusel French Toast Bake
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
French Toast Base
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or milk)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (or about 12–16 rolls)
- 1 can apple pie filling (or fresh apple slices, peeled and thinly sliced)
How to Make the Baked French Toast
Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Make the streusel topping
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the mixture becomes coarse and crumbly. Set aside.
Assemble the French toast
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream (or milk), 2 tablespoons flour, 3 teaspoons cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Open the canned cinnamon rolls and slice each roll into eighths. Arrange the cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the pieces, making sure they are well coated.
- Spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces. If using fresh apples, arrange the slices in an even layer and sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon or sugar if desired.
- Scatter the prepared streusel topping evenly over the apples and cinnamon roll mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set. Remove from the oven and, if desired, drizzle the cream cheese icing from the cinnamon roll cans over the top before serving. Serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Cinnamon rolls or bread: Canned cinnamon rolls make this recipe quick and indulgent, but day-old French bread also works well—just be sure to add a bit more cinnamon to the egg mixture for extra spice.
- Fresh vs. canned apples: Fresh apples are wonderful in the fall when they’re at their peak; slice them thinly so they soften during baking. Canned apple pie filling is an excellent, convenient alternative when fresh apples aren’t in season.
- Icing and finishing: Drizzling cream cheese icing over the warm bake adds extra decadence. Alternatively, dust with powdered sugar or serve with warm maple syrup.
- Make-ahead: You can assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate it covered. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from chilled.
Baking Tools Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula and a pastry cutter or fork for the streusel
Recipe Details
- Servings: 16
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour
Nutrition (approx. per serving)
Calories: 214 kcal; Carbohydrates: 22 g; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 6 g; Sugar: 12 g; Fiber: 1 g
More Breakfast Ideas
Funfetti French Toast Muffins
Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Baked Apple Cider Donut Holes
Share Your Results
If you make this Apple Streusel French Toast Bake, share a photo and tag the recipe source on social media so others can enjoy your version. We love seeing how you personalize the dish—whether you use fresh apples, add extra pecans, or drizzle more icing.
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Save this recipe to your favorite recipe board to make on a busy weekend morning or for holiday brunches.
Thank you for trying this Apple Streusel French Toast Bake. If you enjoyed it, consider sharing your feedback or a photo so others can discover this fall-favorite breakfast.