Apple French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is like apple pie meets French toast. It’s filled with warm cinnamon flavor, sweet apples, and a custardy base that soaks into the bread for a satisfying texture. It’s easy to assemble ahead of time, feeds a crowd, and brings comforting homemade flavors to your breakfast table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into cubes
• Apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and chopped
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg (optional)
• Eggs
• Whole milk or half-and-half
• Heavy cream (optional for added richness)
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
• Maple syrup (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and add cubed bread.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples are softened. Let cool slightly.
3. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), vanilla extract, and salt.
5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Gently press down to help the bread absorb the custard.
6. Let sit for 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Top with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 to 10 people. Prep time is about 20 minutes, with a total cook time of 45–50 minutes. If prepping ahead, allow for overnight soaking.

Variations

• Apple-Cranberry: Add dried cranberries or raisins to the apple mixture for a tart twist.
• Streusel Topping: Top with a crumbly streusel made from butter, flour, brown sugar, and oats before baking.
• Nutty: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added crunch.
• Caramel Apple: Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for an indulgent finish.
• Apple Pie Spice: Replace cinnamon and nutmeg with apple pie spice for extra flavor depth.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What apples are best for this casserole?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape well and add balanced sweetness.

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes, assemble it fully and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

Do I have to cook the apples first?

Cooking the apples softens them and brings out their flavor, making for a better texture in the casserole.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be used as dairy-free substitutes.

Is the casserole sweet on its own?

It’s mildly sweet, but serving with syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream enhances the sweetness.

Can I use stale bread?

Yes, day-old bread is ideal as it holds up better and absorbs more custard.

How do I know when it’s done?

The top should be golden, and the center should be set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

What bread works best?

Brioche, challah, or French bread are perfect for their soft, sturdy texture.

Can I add other fruit?

Yes, pears or berries can be added or swapped in for the apples.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze the baked casserole in portions or whole. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Apple French toast casserole is a warm, spiced, and satisfying breakfast that brings together the classic flavors of French toast and baked apples. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a group, it’s a cozy choice for weekend mornings or special holiday meals. One bite and it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Apple French Toast Casserole

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Apple French toast casserole is a warm, cinnamon-spiced breakfast bake made with custard-soaked bread and tender sautéed apples. Perfect for fall mornings, holiday brunches, or weekend breakfasts, it’s comforting, easy, and feeds a crowd.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 to 10 servings
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 loaf brioche, challah, or French bread (about 10 cups), cubed
• 3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Butter (for greasing dish)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
• Maple syrup (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and place cubed bread evenly inside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until apples are softened. Let cool slightly.
3. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
5. Pour custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Press down gently so bread absorbs the liquid.
6. Let sit for 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until top is golden and center is set.
8. Cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and/or drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Notes

• Use day-old bread for best texture and absorption.
• Cooking the apples first enhances their flavor and softness.
• Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight for an easy morning bake.
• Top with streusel or nuts before baking for added crunch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/10 of casserole
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 165mg