This Apple Pie French Toast Casserole brings together sweet apples and soft bread for a cozy breakfast. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, and who wouldn’t want that?
You just mix, layer, and bake! It’s super easy to whip up the night before, so you can impress everyone in the morning without breaking a sweat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread: A crusty loaf works best for this casserole. If you can’t find French bread, use Challah or even whole wheat bread for a different texture and flavor.
Eggs: I always use large eggs for this recipe. If you need a vegan option, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) or a plant-based egg substitute.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Whole milk makes it creamy, but you can substitute almond milk or oat milk. For a lighter version, use only milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Apples: Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast to the sweetness. Honeycrisp is another great choice for sweetness and crunch. If you want variety, use a mix of your favorites!
Brown Sugar: If you’re trying to reduce sugar, you can use coconut sugar, or even skip it for a less sweet dish. Apples bring natural sweetness that works well.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Isn’t Soggy?
A common worry with casseroles is texture, especially when combining bread with wet ingredients. Here’s how to keep it fluffy and not soggy:
- Let the cubed bread soak in the egg mixture for only about 10 minutes. This provides enough time to absorb without getting too mushy.
- Layering is key! By placing half the bread followed by the apples, you create a barrier that helps keep moisture in check.
- Baking at a consistent temperature is critical. If your oven runs cool, it might take longer. Ensure it reaches 350°F for even cooking.
How to Make Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed (about 10-12 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups apples, peeled and diced (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Pie French Toast Casserole takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and about 50 minutes to bake. Overall, you should set aside about 1 hour and 5 minutes to enjoy this mouthwatering dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick!
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. This mixture will make your casserole nice and creamy.
3. Combine Bread and Egg Mixture:
Add your cubed French bread to the bowl with the egg mixture. Gently fold the bread into the mixture so it gets coated evenly. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the bread can soak up all that delicious liquid.
4. Prepare the Apples:
In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Give it a good stir until the apples are evenly coated. Set this aside for later!
5. Make the Oat Topping:
In another bowl, prepare your topping by combining the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until it becomes crumbly.
6. Layer the Casserole:
In your greased baking dish, layer half of the soaked bread mixture. Next, spread the apple mixture evenly over the top of the bread. Then pour the rest of the bread mixture over the apples, being gentle as you spread it out.
7. Add the Oat Topping:
Finally, sprinkle your crumbly oat topping evenly across the casserole. This will give your dish a lovely and crunchy finish!
8. Bake it Up:
Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the entire casserole is set. You can cover it with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent it from over-browning.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup—it’s the perfect finishing touch to this comforting dish! Enjoy your delicious Apple Pie French Toast Casserole!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread provides a nice texture, you can also use challah, brioche, or even whole grain bread. Just make sure it’s slightly stale for better absorption of the egg mixture!
Is It Possible to Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Apples or Use Other Fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the apples for other fruits like pears, peaches, or even berries. Just ensure the fruit is diced and mixed with sugar and cinnamon as in the original recipe for the best flavor!
