Why We Love This Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe
I’m a big fan of French toast casseroles, because I can prepare breakfast the night before and still have something that tastes absolutely amazing in the morning.
Make Ahead. This overnight French toast recipe is designed to be made ahead of time, so all you have to do in the morning is bake it! Cozy Apple Flavor. This French toast bake tastes just like apple pie! Fresh apples cooked in butter, along with apple pie spice, creates a warm and cozy flavor. Family Favorite. Everyone loves the flavor of this deliciously sweet recipe, and it’s enough to feed the whole family.
Save Time with Canned Apple Pie Filling!
If you want to speed up prepping this apple French toast casserole the night before, use a can of apple pie filling in place of fresh apples and apple pie spice. That means you can skip step 3 in the recipe card, and just spread the pie filling on top of the slices of bread. Easy!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover apple french toast casserole in an airtight container (or cover the dish with plastic wrap), and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until it’s fully warmed through.
How to Freeze
Store this apple French toast bake tightly wrapped in multiple layers of aluminum foil, in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this overnight apple pie French toast casserole topped with extra syrup and powdered sugar. To balance the sweetness, add some breakfast potatoes or scrambled eggs on the side. It also tastes great with an apple crisp macchiato, or your favorite coffee drink!
More Overnight French Toast Recipes To Try
Peaches and Cream French Toast Casserole Croissant French Toast Casserole Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole
Notes from the Test Kitchen
Day-old bread works best for French toast bakes, because the slight staleness allows it to soak up all of the egg mixture overnight, without getting soggy. I like using Brioche for this recipe! Cover and refrigerate overnight (for at least 8 hours) before baking.
How to Make Overnight Apple French Toast Casserole Step by Step
Layer Slices of Bread: Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place 8 bread slices in the prepared dish, slightly overlapping slices. If necessary, cut bread to fill in any empty spaces. Make Apple Filling: Peel and slice 6 apples. In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the apple slices and cook just until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the apples from heat, then toss them with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice. Add the Apples: Evenly spread the cooked apples on top of the bottom layer of bread slices in the casserole dish, then top with the remaining 8 slices of bread. Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 2/3 cups of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon of kosher salt, until well combined. Finish Prepping and Refrigerate: Pour the egg mixture over the French toast casserole, and press down gently with the back of a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours. Prepare to Bake: When you’re ready to bake the apple French toast the next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F, and set the casserole out on the countertop (let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes while oven preheats). Make Apple Butter: In a small skillet or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and mix with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of apple pie spice. Drizzle the apple butter over the bread. Bake: Bake apple pie French toast in the preheated oven until the center is set and golden brown, about 40-50 minutes. Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve: To serve, sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup, if desired.
