Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Apple Pie French Toast Casserole is a comforting breakfast dish that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and apples with the satisfying texture of baked French toast. It’s an easy-to-make recipe perfect for weekends or holiday mornings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread, cubed
- 3 apples, peeled and sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking dish, evenly layer half of the bread cubes followed by half of the sliced apples. Repeat with remaining bread and apples.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples in the dish.
- Step 3: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden on top.
- Step 4: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, optionally with syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread to help it soak the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Try adding a handful of chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Swap apples for pears or peaches for a different fruity twist.
- For a richer custard, replace half the milk with cream.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in a microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning for best results.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Thicker, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or French bread absorb the custard well without falling apart.
PrintApple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Apple Pie French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish that combines the flavors of warm cinnamon-spiced apples with custardy baked French toast. Perfect for a family brunch or a cozy morning treat, it features layers of bread soaked in an egg and milk mixture, interspersed with sweet sliced apples and a hint of cinnamon, then baked until golden and set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the French Toast Base
- 6 cups bread, cubed (preferably day-old or slightly stale)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Apple Layer
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread and Apples: Cube the bread into approximately 1-inch pieces and thinly slice the peeled and cored apples to spread evenly in the casserole.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ground cinnamon until fully combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes evenly. Add a layer of the sliced apples over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole, pressing down gently to ensure the bread soaks the custard well.
- Let it Soak: Allow the assembled casserole to sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature so the bread absorbs the custard mixture properly.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45-50 minutes or until the custard is fully set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before slicing into portions. Serve warm, optionally with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy.
- You can use a combination of sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for better flavor.
- For added sweetness, sprinkle a tablespoon of brown sugar over the apple layer before baking.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Apple pie, French toast casserole, breakfast casserole, baked French toast, cinnamon apples, sweet breakfast dish
