If I’m hosting brunch during fall, this Apple French Toast Casserole is the perfect potluck dish. It’s easy to assemble, feeds a crowd, and smells incredible as it bakes. I love how it’s make-ahead friendly.
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Amy’s Notes
This Apple French Toast Casserole is my go-to cozy, make-ahead breakfast that feels like a treat.
- Caramelized Apple Layer: The apples cook down into a buttery, cinnamon-spiced layer that melts right into the base. When I flip each piece to serve, it looks and tastes like built-in apple pie topping.
- Perfect Bread Texture: Thick slices of French bread soak up all the custard but still hold their shape. The tops bake up golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and custardy. It reminds me of my French Toast Bake.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: I prep everything the night before and let it chill overnight. The next morning, all I have to do is pop it in the oven and serve, a lot like my Blueberry French Toast Casserole.
- Ideal for Brunch or Potluck: This one travels well and holds up beautifully at room temperature. I bring it to brunches or make it when we have guests staying over.
- Crowd Favorite: Everyone loves this one, especially when the apple layer gets that rich caramel finish. It disappears fast every single time!
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Granny Smith Apples – Firm and tart, these apples hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the casserole perfectly.
- Light Brown Sugar – Packed with molasses flavor, it melts into the apples to create a luscious, caramel-like sauce.
- Apple Cider – Just a splash brings a bright, fruity note that enhances the natural flavor of the apples.
- Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves & Nutmeg – This warm spice blend layers cozy fall flavor into both the apples and custard without overwhelming the dish.
- French Bread – Thick, chewy slices soak up the custard while staying sturdy, giving the casserole a creamy center and crisp golden top.
- Eggs & Milk – This classic custard duo binds everything together and gives the dish its soft, pudding-like texture.
- Pure Maple Syrup – Adds natural sweetness and depth to the custard, pairing perfectly with the spiced apples.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Bread Options: I use a sturdy loaf of French bread, but you can swap in brioche, challah, or sourdough. Just make sure the slices are thick and slightly dry so they soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Apple Choices: Granny Smiths hold their shape and balance the sweetness, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples work too. Softer varieties like Gala may break down more but still taste great.
- Flavor Add-ins: I like to keep it classic, but you can mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans for extra texture.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced apples. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften. This step lays the foundation for the caramelized fruit layer.
- Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Continue cooking for 7 minutes until the apples are tender and coated in a thick, spiced syrup. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the French bread slices over the apple mixture, trimming as needed to cover the surface. Thick, sturdy slices help absorb the custard without becoming soggy, while forming a golden, crispy top.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until foamy, then add the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Slowly pour the custard over the bread, letting it soak in. Press gently on the bread to ensure full absorption.
- Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit out for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. This brings the casserole closer to room temp and helps it bake evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp and the center is set. Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. To serve, invert slices so the apple layer is on top and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Assemble the Night Before: This casserole is designed to be made ahead. Prepare everything the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The bread soaks up all that rich custard while it rests.
Apple French Toast Casserole
Don't want to wake up at 5am to make breakfast for the clan? Try this make-ahead Apple French Toast Casserole! Assemble everything the night before and just pop it in the oven the next morning. Easy and delicious.
Servings 12 servings
Calories 296kcal
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 6 large granny smith apples peeled and sliced very thin
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch table salt
- 1 loaf French bread sliced to 1-inch thick (8-10 slices)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups milk I use whole
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon table salt
Instructions
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In a large heavy skillet, combine butter and apples over medium heat. Allow butter to melt, cooking and stirring for 5 minutes.
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Add brown sugar, cider, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and pinch of salt. Cook and stir 7 minutes or until apples are tender and sauce is thickened. Spread mixture into a 9×13 baking dish.
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Layer bread slices over the apples, covering the entire surface. Trim pieces of bread to fit, if needed.
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In a bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Whisk in the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
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Slowly and gently pour egg mixture over the bread slices, taking time to let the liquid soak through tops of bread to ensure even coating.
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Press down lightly on bread to ensure soaking. Cover dish with plastic wrap and chill 8 hours or overnight.
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Remove casserole from fridge 30 minutes before baking; meanwhile, preheat oven to 350F. Bake uncovered 35-40 minutes or just until bread tops are golden and the edges are crisp.
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Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes at room temp before cutting into it. To serve, carefully cut individual servings and invert pieces so the apples face up. Serve with maple syrup.
Notes
- This apple french toast casserole is delicious both warm and at room temperature.
- Use a sturdy loaf of French bread sliced about 1 inch thick so it can hold up to the custard without falling apart.
- I recommend going with Granny Smith apples for the best texture and a hint of tartness that balances the sweet custard.
- Let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking so it bakes evenly.
- Bake just until the tops are golden and the edges are crisp to avoid overbaking and drying it out.
- Flip the servings when plating so the caramelized apples are on top, for a beautiful and tasty presentation.
- This recipe is part of our Apple Recipes Collection.
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Join our Free Recipe Club and get our newest, best recipes each week!Nutrition
Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 297mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 309IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are perfect because they hold their shape well and add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the dish.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Yes, for the best texture, I recommend peeling the apples so that the casserole stays soft and tender throughout.
Does the bread need to be stale or toasted first?
It doesn’t have to be stale, but day-old bread or slightly dried-out bread will absorb the custard better than super fresh bread.
How should I store leftovers and how long will they keep?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back that delicious warmth and texture.
More to Bake And Eat
- Pumpkin French Toast Casserole – This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole boasts a moist crumb, tons of pumpkin, and a crispy streusel topping.
- Easiest Overnight French Toast Casserole – This casserole is so delicious, it tastes like a dream. Go ahead and sleep in, because it’s completely prepped the night before.
- Make-Ahead French Toast Casserole – A fail-proof recipe, this make-ahead french toast casserole is fluffy, sweet, and topped with a scrumptious cinnamon streusel topping.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake – This Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is easily prepared the night before. It’s the perfect treat for holiday breakfasts or weekend brunches.
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