This Apple French Toast Casserole is an easy make-ahead breakfast that tastes just like apple pie for brunch! Made with French bread, sweet apple pie filling, and a buttery pecan topping, it’s baked until golden and fluffy. Perfect for fall weekends, Thanksgiving brunch, or Christmas morning when you want something cozy and stress-free.
If you love French toast, try our Blueberry Stuffed French Toast which is like having blueberry cheesecake for breakfast. Our classic Brioche French Toast is my favorite way to make and enjoy French toast; it’s 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 make-ahead 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 Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's filling and can hold everyone over until the big feast! This recipe has become a weekend favorite in our home. My boys love waking up to the smell of baked apples and cinnamon! It’s cozy, simple, and feels a little bit like dessert for breakfast. This is also a great recipe for Brunch entertaining, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests. Try these Apple Scones, Caramel Apple Pancakes, or this Air Fryer Apple Crisp at your next brunch!
Jump to:
- Recipe Highlights
- Ingredient Notes
- Why French Bread Works Best
- How to Make an Overnight Apple French Toast Casserole
- Charlotte's Tips for making Baked Apple French Toast Casserole
- Serving Suggestions for Apple Pie French Toast
- Storage Tips for French Toast Casserole with Apples
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Brunch Recipes You'll Love!
- Recipe
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.
Why French Bread Works Best
I love using French bread for this casserole because it holds its shape and doesn’t get soggy when soaked overnight. The crust becomes beautifully golden and slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and custardy, creating the perfect combination. Day-old bread works even better because it absorbs the custard perfectly without falling apart. If you prefer a softer texture, brioche or challah will give you a more dessert-like finish, but French bread gives more structure to the custard and apple pie filling center.
How to Make an Overnight 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.
Charlotte's Tips for making Baked Apple French Toast Casserole
- Soak the casserole for at least 4 hours for the best results. It gives the casserole a rich, velvety texture
- 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.
- Using slightly stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Serve with warm caramel or maple syrup to take it over the top!
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! For a full fall brunch spread, pair it with a Pumpkin Spice Latte and some savory sides such as Air Fryer Sausage Links or Bacon (in a Toaster Oven)! Drizzle with a homemade or good-quality caramel sauce or dulce de leche. For the ultimate treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon. For other make-ahead breakfasts, try my Sweet Cream Pancakes or Breakfast Sliders!
Storage Tips for French Toast Casserole with Apples
- This cinnamon apple French toast 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, let it rest at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. It’s perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunch prep.
I recommend using French bread because it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the custard without getting soggy. The crust adds texture, while the inside soaks up all the delicious cinnamon-vanilla flavor. Brioche or challah works as well if you prefer a softer texture.
Absolutely! If you have time, a simple homemade apple compote or filling will taste amazing. Just make sure it’s not too liquidy so your casserole doesn’t get soggy.
Yes! Let it cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It freezes well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.
More Brunch Recipes You'll Love!
Check out my Brunch Collection for more yummy brunch ideas!
Recipe
Apple French Toast Casserole (Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipe)
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
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Arrange the French bread slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them to create a single layer.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the bread slices. Then top with the remaining bread slices.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- 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.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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.
- Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
- 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
I hope you love this French Toast Casserole with Apples. If you make this recipe, leave a comment and a rating! I'd love to know how you liked it. Enjoy, xoxo!
Natalie says
I love that this is a "make-ahead" recipe because mornings are busy and my family is ALWAYS hungry for breakfast. The topping for this casserole looks simply divine with the pecans and raisins. And the convenience of using an apple pie filling can't be beat. I can't wait to try this one - I'm sure it's going to be another winner.
Kristina Bird says
Your general directions state to place a second layer of bread over the apples, but your detailed instructions just say to put apple pie filling over the layer of bread and cover with the custard. Which is correct???
Charlotte Singh-Dhanraj says
Thanks so much for catching this Kristina! I have updated the recipe card! Yes you need to add a second layer of bread over the apple mixture! I hope you enjoy the recipe!