Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of freshly baked Apple Pie French Toast Casserole. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family during a chilly fall morning. The leaves were turning golden, and the air was crisp, perfect for a cozy brunch. The combination of warm, sweet apples, rich eggs, and soft bread creates a comforting hug in a dish. As I pulled it out of the oven, the bubbling caramel sauce and cinnamon-sugar topping made my heart race with excitement. This dish became a family favorite, and now, I can’t imagine a Thanksgiving gathering without it. Whether you’re serving it for a festive occasion or just a special Sunday breakfast, the Apple Pie French Toast Casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Essential Ingredients for Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

The ingredients for Apple Pie French Toast Casserole come together to create a deliciously comforting dish. Each component serves a purpose, adding texture, flavor, and warmth to the final product. The key players here are fresh bread, eggs, and apple pie filling, which harmoniously blend to create a delightful breakfast experience.

• 1 (16-ounce) loaf French bread: This serves as the base of the casserole, soaking up the custard mixture and becoming wonderfully tender as it bakes.
• 1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon: This spice brings warmth and flavor to the dish, enhancing the apple pie filling.
• 6 large eggs: They create a rich custard that binds all the ingredients together, giving it a satisfying texture.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: This adds sweetness and depth, complementing the apples perfectly.
• 2 cups whole milk: Whole milk makes the custard creamy, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: This adds a lovely fragrance and enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
• 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling: The star of the show, providing sweetness, moisture, and that classic apple flavor.
• 3 tablespoons melted butter: This contributes to the richness and helps create a golden, crispy top.
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar: Used for the streusel topping, adding texture and sweetness.
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: This helps bind the streusel together and creates a delightful crunch.
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats: These add a hearty texture to the streusel, making it even more satisfying.
• 1/3 cup caramel sauce: Drizzling this on top before serving elevates the dish to a new level of indulgence.

Making This Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

Creating the Apple Pie French Toast Casserole is a simple yet rewarding process. You’ll find that by following a few straightforward steps, you can whip this up for your family or friends in no time. Let’s dive into the delightful details!

1. Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch pan with some butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Next, take the French bread and cut it into cubes. You’ll need about a loaf, so aim for bite-sized pieces that will soak up all the delicious custard later.
3. Once you have your bread ready, sprinkle it evenly with cinnamon. The warm aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen and is the perfect way to kick off this cozy dish.
4. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure it’s well combined and smooth, as this mixture is what will transform the bread into a custardy delight.
5. Now, pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to coat them evenly. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the bread into the liquid—this will help every piece soak up that delicious custard.
6. Next, grab your can of apple pie filling and spoon it evenly over the top of the bread mixture. The sweetness of the apples combined with the cinnamon will create a heavenly flavor.
7. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for at least one hour, or overnight if you want to prepare it in advance. This step is crucial, as it allows the bread to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
8. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and get that beautiful golden color.
9. While the oven is heating, let’s prepare the streusel topping. In a mixing bowl, combine light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, quick-cooking oats, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly, and then sprinkle it generously over the casserole.
10. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes; you want the top to be golden and a little crispy.
11. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This step makes it easier to cut into squares. Finally, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Switch It Up

There are so many fun ways to customize your Apple Pie French Toast Casserole. You can experiment with flavors, toppings, and even ingredients to make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top of the streusel can add a delicious crunch.
• Fruit variations: Try using different pie fillings like cherry or peach to give the casserole a new flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor and give it a unique twist.
• Swap the bread: Use challah or brioche for a richer taste and texture.
• Layer it: Add layers of cream cheese or yogurt between the bread layers for a creamy texture.
• Make it overnight: Prepare it the night before for an easy, no-fuss breakfast that’s ready to bake in the morning.
• Serve it warm: Always serve the casserole warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.

Serving Options for Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

Serving the Apple Pie French Toast Casserole is just as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to consider:

• Brunch gatherings: This casserole is perfect for large brunches or family gatherings, serving it warm right from the oven.
• Holiday feasts: Make it a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or Christmas breakfast table, offering a festive twist on traditional dishes.
• Pair with fresh fruit: Serve it alongside fresh berries, bananas, or a fruit salad for a refreshing touch.
• Add whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the casserole.
• Serve with maple syrup: A drizzle of warm maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a beautiful shine to the dish.
• For dessert: This casserole can also double as a delicious dessert option, especially when topped with ice cream or caramel sauce.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat for a quick breakfast the next day!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Apple Pie French Toast Casserole is a cozy, delicious dish that brings warmth to any gathering. It’s perfect for brunch or a delightful breakfast treat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; your family and friends will love it just as much as mine do. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the joy it brings to your table!

Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, the Apple Pie French Toast Casserole is a warm, sweet delight that combines the flavors of cinnamon, apples, and caramel. It's perfect for family gatherings or holiday brunches, making it an easy weeknight dinner option too. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf French bread cut into cubes
• 1.25 teaspoons cinnamon
• 6 large eggs
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 can apple pie filling 21-ounce
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 0.33 cup light brown sugar
• 0.33 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup quick-cooking oats (or old-fashioned oats)
• 0.33 cup caramel sauce

Equipment

• Frying pan
• Oven
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan and place French bread cubes in it. Sprinkle the bread cubes with the cinnamon.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Pour mixture over bread cubes. Use the back of a spoon to press bread cubes into liquid.
3. Spoon apple pie filling evenly on top. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight.
4. Remove from refrigerator and heat oven to 350 degrees.
5. While oven heats make the streusel. Mix together light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and quick-cooking oats. Sprinkle over the casserole.
6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it for up to 2 months.
• Pairing: Serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a delicious addition.
• Make ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate overnight for easier cooking on the day of serving.
• Serving tip: Always serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.