Apple-Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Recipe View Prepare the baking dish: Generously spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Layer the bread and apples: Arrange 4 slices of cinnamon bread on the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle half of the chopped apples evenly over the bread. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread and apples. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Prepare the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, white sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples. Ensure all the bread is moistened. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Rest at room temperature: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking. This allows for more even baking. (60 minutes)

Recipe View Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). (10 minutes)

Recipe View Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and maple syrup. Mix until well combined and crumbly. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Add the topping: Sprinkle the butter-pecan mixture evenly over the top layer of apples. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the bake is puffed, golden brown, and the custard is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. (40 minutes)

Recipe View Cool slightly: Let the French toast bake cool slightly before serving. (10 minutes)