Apple French Toast Casserole

Apple French Toast Casserole is a warm, cozy, and indulgent breakfast bake that combines the best parts of apple pie and classic French toast. With sweet apple pie filling, custard-soaked bread, and a buttery oat topping, this dish is perfect for holidays, brunches, or any time you want to impress a crowd with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole brings all the comforting flavors of fall to your breakfast table — tender apples, warm cinnamon, and rich custard baked into golden cubes of bread. It’s incredibly easy to prep, can be assembled ahead of time, and bakes into a perfectly sweet and satisfying dish. The oat and brown sugar topping adds the perfect crunchy finish to the soft, custardy center. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting a brunch, this recipe is sure to be a favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple French Toast Casserole

• 8 eggs

• 1½ cups whole milk

• ½ cup heavy cream (or fat-free half and half)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 cups apple pie filling (or one 20-ounce store-bought can)

• 16 ounces French bread, cubed and dried

Topping

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ cup butter

• ½ cup quick-cooking oats

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.

3. Stir in the cubed French bread and apple pie filling. Mix until all the bread is well coated in the egg mixture.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

5. In a separate bowl, use a pastry cutter or two forks to combine the brown sugar, butter, and oats until crumbly.

6. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the casserole.

7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the casserole is golden and starts to pull away from the edges. If it browns too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.

8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 8–10 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Overnight prep: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.

• Fresh apples: Use sautéed apples instead of canned pie filling for a less sweet version.

• Nut topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.

• Maple flavor: Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup or drizzle on top before baking.

• Caramel drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving for dessert-like richness.

• Spiced version: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for more warmth.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread and check that your oats are certified gluten-free.

• Dairy-free: Substitute dairy with plant-based milk, cream, and butter alternatives.

• Cream cheese layer: Add dollops of cream cheese in the center for a tangy twist.

• Mini bakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–60 seconds. To reheat the full casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, it can be assembled the night before. Just cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, brioche, challah, or sourdough work well. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or dried.

Do I have to use canned apple pie filling?

No, you can make your own or use fresh apples sautéed in butter, cinnamon, and sugar.

How do I dry the bread cubes?

Leave them out overnight or bake in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes until dry but not toasted.

Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?

Quick oats are best for texture, but you can pulse rolled oats briefly in a food processor as a substitute.

Is this recipe very sweet?

It’s moderately sweet. For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar or use unsweetened apples.

Can I add raisins or cranberries?

Absolutely. Add ½ cup of raisins, cranberries, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.

What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with sausage, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.

How do I know when it’s done?

The center should be set, not jiggly, and a knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.

Can I make this without the topping?

Yes, it will still taste great, but the oat topping adds a nice texture and sweetness.

Conclusion

Apple French Toast Casserole is the ultimate brunch bake — rich, spiced, and easy to make. With its soft, custardy interior and crunchy oat topping, it’s a perfect fusion of apple pie and French toast. Whether you’re serving a holiday breakfast or treating your family on a lazy weekend morning, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.

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