This cozy Apple Pie French Toast Casserole combines sweet apples and tender bread for the ultimate breakfast comfort food. It’s like digging into dessert first thing in the morning—and who could resist that?
All you have to do is mix, layer, and bake! It’s perfect for prepping the night before, so you can wake up and impress without any morning hassle. So tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread: A crusty French loaf is ideal here. No French bread? No problem—challah or even whole wheat bread will do the trick. They’ll give a different texture but still taste amazing.
Eggs: I use large eggs for structure and richness. Going egg-free? Try flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) or your favorite plant-based substitute.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Whole milk gives this dish a rich, creamy base. You can swap in oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version. For something lighter, just use all milk or replace the cream with half-and-half.
Apples: Granny Smith gives a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness and crunch. Want more depth? Mix and match your favorite apples!
Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar is a great lower-sugar alternative. You can also leave it out entirely for a naturally sweet version—the apples do a lot of the work.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Isn’t Soggy?
Getting the right texture is key! Here’s how to avoid a mushy casserole:
- Let the bread sit in the egg mixture for just 10 minutes—long enough to soak, but not too much.
- Layering matters! Placing apples in between two bread layers keeps the moisture balanced.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F to bake evenly. If your oven runs cool, your casserole may need extra time.
How to Make Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed (about 10–12 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 cups apples, peeled and diced (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for apples)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick while baking.
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
3. Combine Bread and Egg Mixture:
Add the cubed French bread to the egg mixture and fold gently to coat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the bread can soak up all the flavor.
4. Prepare the Apples:
In a separate bowl, toss your diced apples with ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Mix until they’re nicely coated, then set aside.
5. Make the Oat Topping:
In another bowl, stir together oats, flour, brown sugar, and ½ tsp cinnamon. Add the melted butter and mix until the topping forms a crumbly texture.
6. Layer the Casserole:
Start by spreading half the soaked bread mixture into your greased dish. Next, layer the apple mixture evenly across the top. Finish by adding the rest of the bread mixture and gently spreading it out.
7. Add the Oat Topping:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the casserole. This gives it that delicious golden crunch!
8. Bake it Up:
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is fully set. To prevent over-browning, you can cover it with foil during the first 30 minutes.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then slice into squares and serve warm. Add a drizzle of maple syrup for that perfect sweet finish!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Definitely! French bread gives a great base, but you can also use brioche, challah, or even whole grain bread. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale—it soaks up the egg mixture better that way.
Is It Possible to Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, it’s great for prepping ahead! Assemble it the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it the next morning—just add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Can I Substitute the Apples or Use Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in pears, peaches, or berries if you’d like a different twist. Just dice and season them with sugar and cinnamon like you would with the apples.
