This Apple French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast or brunch treat. Baked French toast is stuffed with apple pie filling and topped with caramelized pecans. It’s like having apple pie for breakfast!
If you love French toast, try our Blueberry Stuffed French Toast which is like having blueberry cheesecake for breakfast. Our classic Brioche French Toast my favorite way to make and enjoy French toast so rich, buttery, and tender! We also have an Easy Sourdough French Toast to check out if you enjoy sourdough in your diet!
With a family of 6, I love meal prep ideas to save time, and preparing this Apple Pie French Toast Casserole the night before serving makes breakfast a breeze. This is a great option for Holiday mornings like Christmas and Thanksgiving. It’s filling and can hold everyone over until the big feast! This is also a great recipe for Brunch entertaining so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.
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Recipe Highlights
- This make-ahead breakfast casserole is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch with the family or for easy entertaining.
- Combines French toast with the coziness of apple pie!
- So easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Easy to customize with different toppings.
Ingredient Notes
- French bread: a crusty loaf holds up well to soaking overnight.
- Apple pie filling: You can certainly use a homemade apple compote or filling like these Vanilla Spiced Apples, but canned filling makes this dish super easy if you are short on time!
- Eggs: use large eggs as part of the custard.
- Milk: use any milk of your choice. We use 2%.
- Vanilla extract: use a good quality vanilla for the best taste and aroma!
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: these warming spices really give the casserole a cozy flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like flavor and sweetness to the topping.
- Pecans: are optional but add a delicious crunch and texture.
- Corn syrup: Helps create a glossy topping.
- Raisins: also optional, skip them if you don’t like them.
How to Make an Apple French Toast Casserole
- Step 1: Arrange bread in the casserole dish and top with apple pie filling.
- Step 2: Cover with another layer of bread slices.
- Step 3: Mix French toast custard.
- Step 4: Pour custard over casserole.
- Step 5: Prepare topping.
- Step 6: Spread topping over the bread and bake.
Tips for making the best Apple French Toast Casserole
- Soak the casserole for at least 4 hours for best results.
- Ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated with the egg mixture. You can use a spoon to collect the custard from the side of the casserole dish and top any dry spots.
- For a crunchy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking time
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will ensure that it sets properly.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Pie French Toast
My favorite way to serve this casserole is with freshly whipped cream, pure maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar! You can also try these ideas:
- Drizzled with a homemade or good quality caramel sauce or dulce de leche.
- Serve with some savory sides like Sausage or Bacon.
- For the ultimate treat top it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
Storage Tips for French Toast Casserole with Apples
- This casserole is best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored, refrigerated, in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave until heated through.
More Brunch Recipes You’ll Love!
Check out my Brunch Collection for more yummy brunch ideas!
Recipe
Apple French Toast Casserole
This Apple French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast or brunch treat. Baked French toast is stuffed with apple pie filling and topped with caramelized pecans.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf French bread cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 1 can apple pie filling 21 oz can
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Maple syrup for serving
For the Topping:
- 1 cup cold butter cubed
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 – 1½ cups coarsely chopped pecans optional
- 2 tablespoon corn syrup
- ½ cup raisins optional
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
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Arrange the French bread slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them to create a single layer.
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Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the bread slices. Then top with the remaining bread slices.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
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Pour the egg mixture over the bread and apple filling, ensuring all bread pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
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When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine the cold cubed butter, brown sugar, chopped pecans (if using), corn syrup, raisins (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until crumbly.
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Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the soaked bread.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
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Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Soak the casserole for at least 4 hours for best results.
- Ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated with the egg mixture. You can use a spoon to collect the custard from the side of the casserole dish and top any dry spots.
- For a crunchy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking time
- Allow the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving . This will ensure that it sets properly.
Nutrition
Calories: 526kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 10gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 415mgPotassium: 290mgFiber: 3gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 691IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 118mgIron: 3mg
I hope you love this Apple French Toast Casserole. If you make this recipe, leave a comment and a rating! I’d love to know how you liked it. Enjoy, xoxo!
