Apple Pie French Toast Casserole 🍞🍎

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a warm slice of apple pie and a golden, custardy French toast got together, the answer is pure magic: Apple Pie French Toast Casserole. This easy, homemade version of a breakfast casserole brings all the nostalgic flavors of apple pie into a soft, custardy, slightly crisp-edged bake that’s perfect for weekends, holidays, or any time you crave comfort in a dish.

Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting brunch, or prepping breakfast for the week, this recipe will become your go-to. Bursting with spiced apples, warm cinnamon, and vanilla custard-soaked bread, it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy fall morning. Best of all? You can prep it the night before!

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🥄 Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

• Super easy to prepare — no stove required

• Feeds a crowd (perfect for brunch or holidays)

• Can be made ahead for convenience

• Tastes like dessert for breakfast!

• Cozy fall flavors everyone loves

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🔍 What is Apple Pie French Toast Casserole?

Apple Pie French Toast Casserole is a baked dish made by layering bread cubes with spiced apple pie filling and pouring over a cinnamon-vanilla custard, then baking until golden. It’s essentially a make-ahead French toast bake, combined with the soul-soothing essence of warm apple pie.

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🍏 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf (about 14 oz) of day-old brioche or challah, cubed

• 6 large eggs

• 2 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer texture)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp salt

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Topping (Optional but Recommended):

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp melted butter

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🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.

3. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until apples are soft but not mushy.

4. Optional: Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 more minutes until thickened.

5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Spread half the cubed bread in the dish.

3. Spoon half of the apple mixture over the bread.

4. Repeat with remaining bread and apples.

Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture

1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

2. Pour evenly over the bread and apple layers.

3. Gently press down on the bread so it absorbs the custard.

Step 4: Add Optional Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter.

2. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Let it Rest (Important!)

• Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight for best flavor and texture.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake covered for 30 minutes.

3. Uncover and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffy.

4. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1/10 of the dish)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

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🧠 Pro Tips for the Best Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

• Use stale bread: Day-old brioche or challah holds up better and absorbs custard without becoming mushy.

• Let it soak: Refrigerating overnight gives the bread time to absorb all the flavors.

• Adjust sweetness: If your apples are very sweet, reduce the added sugar slightly.

• Slice apples evenly: This ensures they cook at the same rate and don’t turn to mush.

• Add a drizzle: Top with maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a vanilla glaze for an extra treat.

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🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using fresh bread: It will become soggy instead of custardy.

• Skipping the rest time: Soaking is crucial for flavor and texture.

• Overbaking: You want the edges golden but the center still soft.

• Undercooking the apples: Pre-cook your apple pie filling so they’re tender, not raw.

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💡 Tips & Variations

Flavor Add-Ins:

• Caramel drizzle before serving

• A pinch of clove or allspice in the custard

• Add raisins or dried cranberries for a holiday twist

Bread Swaps:

• French bread or sourdough for more texture

• Cinnamon swirl bread for more spice

Make It Dairy-Free:

• Use almond or oat milk and swap butter with coconut oil

Make It Gluten-Free:

• Use your favorite GF bread and double-check all other ingredients

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storing:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Microwave: 45 seconds to 1 minute per serving.

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes covered with foil to keep it moist.

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❓ FAQs About Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s best made the night before to let the flavors develop. Just bake it the next morning.

Q2: What type of apples are best for this recipe?

Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix also work wonderfully.

Q3: Can I use canned apple pie filling instead?

Yes, you can! While homemade gives the freshest flavor, 1 can (about 20 oz) of apple pie filling can be used in a pinch.

Q4: Can I make it without eggs?

For an egg-free version, you can try a custard made with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, but the texture will differ slightly.

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🥄 Save & Share This Fall Favorite

If this Apple Pie French Toast Casserole brought cozy vibes to your morning, don’t keep it to yourself! 🧡
Save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with a friend, or tag your brunch pics with #CozyCasseroleSeason. Whether for Thanksgiving breakfast, a crisp September morning, or a lazy weekend, this bake is guaranteed to become a tradition.