Name: Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium apples, peeled and diced; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons white sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 3 tablespoons salted butter; 1 loaf brioche or challah, torn into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups half & half; 6 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for sprinkling); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional); 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup heavy cream, cold; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

If you love all the cozy flavors of fall and want a breakfast that’s both comforting and impressive with minimal fuss, then hang tight because this Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how this turns out — it’s like dessert for breakfast, with tender bread soaking up spiced apples and a luscious custard, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Keep reading, and I’ll share every detail to help you nail it every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep this casserole the night before, which means less stress on busy mornings.
Fall Flavors in Every Bite: Spiced apples and brown sugar meld perfectly, hitting all those nostalgic apple pie notes.
Kid and Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s always a hit at brunch gatherings.
Easy to Customize: Swap breads, skip the rum, or add nuts – this dish flexes effortlessly to fit your taste.

A close-up of a white pan filled with a warm apple dessert that has three layers: the bottom layer is soft and golden-yellow, the middle layer contains chunks of cooked light yellow apples, and the top layer is golden-brown crispy pieces dusted with white powdered sugar. On top, there are three large dollops of white whipped cream, fluffy and swirl-textured, placed on different spots. A silver spoon is partially serving a piece from the pan, showing the different textured layers clearly. The pan rests on a table with a white marbled texture underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe plays a key role: from the tender brioche soaking up custardy goodness to the warm spices that cozy up your kitchen. When shopping, choose crisp apples and a soft bread like challah or brioche, which absorb flavors beautifully.

Apples: Medium-sized and peeled, I prefer a mix of sweet and slightly tart like Fuji or Honeycrisp for balance.
Brown and White Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth, while white sugar balances the sweetness and caramelization.
Ground Cinnamon: Don’t skimp here — cinnamon is your star spice that makes the apples sing.
Vanilla Extract or Paste: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors in both the apple mixture and custard.
Cornstarch: Thickens the apple sauce to keep it luscious and not watery.
Heavy Cream: Used both to cook the apples and in the whipped cream topping – richness is key!
Salted Butter: For cooking the apples, enhancing flavor and silkiness.
Brioche or Challah Bread: Use day-old or toast it slightly to prevent sogginess, and tear into bite-sized pieces for maximum soaking.
Half & Half: Light but creamy base for the custard soak.
Eggs: These bind everything together creating that custardy texture we want.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: For sweetness and that irresistible golden crust on top.
Dark Rum (Optional): Adds a subtle adult twist if you want to elevate the flavor.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch takes the sweetness to the next level.
Pure Maple Syrup: For drizzling at the end — bonus points if it’s real maple!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love experimenting with little twists here and there to keep it fresh and exciting, and I encourage you to do the same!

Add Nuts or Dried Fruit: Toasted pecans or walnuts add wonderful crunch, while raisins or dried cranberries give pockets of sweetness – I’ve added these when feeding extra hungry brunch crowds.
Dairy-Free Swap: Use coconut or almond milk and a non-dairy butter alternative for a dairy-free version that still tastes indulgent.
Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the apple mixture for that extra warm spice punch.
Make it Boozy or Not: If you prefer to skip the dark rum, it won’t make or break the dish — the vanilla carries the flavor beautifully.

How to Make Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread for Perfect Texture

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F. Tear your brioche or challah into bite-sized pieces and spread them out evenly on a baking sheet. Toasting the bread for about 20 minutes dries it out just enough so it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. This little step is a game-changer — I discovered this trick when I was tired of soggy French toast casseroles!

Step 2: Cook the Spiced Apples to Caramelized Perfection

Peel and dice your apples medium-sized so they release their juices nicely but don’t turn into mush. In a bowl, mix apples, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, cornstarch, and heavy cream. Melt the salted butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the apples. Stir occasionally as they cook for 5–7 minutes until you see a thick, almost caramel-like sauce developing. This step infuses the fruit with rich flavor and keeps the filling luscious without being watery. Let the mix cool to room temperature before moving on.

Step 3: Combine Apples and Bread, Then Soak in Custard

Grease a large baking dish and spread the toasted bread inside. Pour your cooled apples and sauce over the bread, tossing gently to distribute evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together half & half, eggs, vanilla, rum (if using), granulated and brown sugars, and salt until smooth. Pour this custard over the bread and apples, pressing gently with the back of a spoon or your hands to fully submerge the bread. Cover tightly with foil, pressing it down so the bread stays soaked. This is where the magic happens — allowing it to rest for at least 45 minutes or up to overnight ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Gorgeous

Increase the oven temperature to 350°F and remove the foil. Sprinkle a generous layer of granulated sugar (2-3 tablespoons) over the top — this creates a beautiful caramelized crust as it bakes. Pop your casserole in the oven for 35-40 minutes, until it’s bubbling and golden brown on top. Once you take it out, give it about 15-20 minutes to cool so it sets up perfectly before serving. If you cut in too soon, it can feel a little loose, but patience here pays off.

Step 5: Whip the Cream for the Ultimate Topping

While the casserole is baking or cooling, whisk together cold heavy cream, vanilla, brown sugar, and maple syrup until soft peaks form. I love making this whipped cream fresh because it adds just the right balance of sweet richness. Dollop it generously on each plate or spread it over the whole casserole if you’re feeling indulgent (which, honestly, you should!).

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe

Toast Your Bread First: This avoids sogginess and helps the bread hold its shape after soaking.
Cool the Apples Beforehand: Pouring warm apples onto bread can make it mushy, so let them cool before combining.
Submerge the Bread Well: Press the foil gently to ensure every piece soaks up that custard — it’s key for even texture.
Don’t Skip the Sugar Topping: It creates that crave-worthy caramelized crust that makes this casserole truly special.

How to Serve Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white pan filled with a layered dish. The bottom and middle layers have golden brown, irregular chunks of baked bread mixed with small, soft, yellow apple pieces that have a slightly cooked texture. On top, there are three big dollops of fluffy white whipped cream placed around the pan. The whole dish is sprinkled with a light dusting of white powdered sugar, making it look sweet and fresh. The pan rests on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally love topping my slices with a big dollop of freshly whipped cream and a light drizzle of pure maple syrup—this combo just melts together perfectly. A sprinkle of cinnamon over the top adds a lovely finishing touch that brings out the spice. If you want to get fancy, a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top adds beautiful texture and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

This casserole is so rich and flavorful that it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. I enjoy it with fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges to balance the sweetness. For a savory contrast, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage on the side is a no-fail crowd-pleaser that complements the warmth of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this in individual ramekins to make it feel extra special—plus, it helps with portion control. You can also sprinkle edible flowers or dust with powdered sugar for a pretty brunch table. If you’re hosting a crowd, serving it family-style right from the casserole dish alongside a syrup bar with options like maple syrup, honey, or cinnamon sugar is always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, this casserole tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing it to keep that cozy texture intact.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this for later, I recommend baking it first, letting it cool completely, then slicing and wrapping individual portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices into a toaster oven or a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the top re-crisps slightly. Avoid microwaving if you can — it tends to make the bread soggy. A quick re-toast in the oven really brings back that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread for this Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal due to their soft, buttery texture and how well they soak up custard, you can also use thick-cut white bread or even cinnamon bread if you want extra flavor. Just avoid super dense breads like ciabatta, which won’t absorb the custard as well.
Do I have to include the rum in the recipe?

Nope! The dark rum is optional and adds a lovely depth of flavor if you like a subtle adult twist. If you prefer to skip it, the vanilla extract alone provides plenty of warmth and complexity to the custard.
How long can I soak the casserole before baking?

You can soak the casserole for at least 45 minutes, up to overnight in the fridge. I like to prep it the night before brunch so it’s ready to bake in the morning. Just make sure it stays covered during soaking to keep it fresh.
Can I make this Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free bread that has a sturdy texture similar to brioche or challah. The toasting step is especially important here to ensure it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

I recommend reheating leftovers in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crisp top and warm throughout. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy and rubbery.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s that perfect blend of ease and indulgence. It’s the kind of dish you can make the night before, then wake up to a kitchen smelling like autumn and serve up slices of pure happiness. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your favorite for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, and anytime you want a scrumptious treat that feels like a warm hug. I can’t wait for you to give it a go and hear all about how it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!