If you’re on the hunt for that perfect cozy breakfast or brunch dish that will impress everyone at your table, you’ve just found it! This Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe is my go-to for weekend mornings when I want something comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together ahead of time. I absolutely love how the apples get soft and sweet, the custard-infused bread bakes up tender, and the cinnamon streusel topping adds that perfect crunchy finish. Once you try it, you’ll see why it quickly became a family favorite in my house.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven the next morning for zero stress.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tender apples with cinnamon and brown sugar streusel hit all the right sweet and cozy notes.
Feeds a Crowd Easily: This recipe makes enough for about a dozen servings, great for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Flexible Toppings: Whether you love sour cream icing or classic maple syrup, this casserole pairs beautifully with both.

A white baking dish holds a multi-layered baked dessert with three visible layers. The bottom layer is made of soft cooked apple slices, pale yellow in color, resting on a thin, golden crust. Above this, there is a thick, light brown crumbly streusel layer that looks crunchy and uneven, covering the apples. A thin, slightly shiny drizzle of white icing runs lightly across the top streusel layer in wavy lines. The edges of the dish show some baked-on residue, adding a homemade feel. The white marbled surface beneath the dish adds a clean, bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple French Toast Casserole, baked apple breakfast, cinnamon apple brunch, easy apple casserole, cozy breakfast recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination in this Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe is simple but magic. The apples get gently cooked first to bring out their sweetness, the French bread soaks up a rich custard, and the streusel topping makes each bite extra special. I always recommend using day-old French bread because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy, and fresh apples for that perfect fruity punch.

Flat lay of peeled, cored, and sliced fresh apples arranged neatly, diced rustic French bread cubes, six whole large eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl holding ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl with ground nutmeg, diced salted butter cubes arranged artfully on a simple white ceramic plate, and a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract placed symmetrically, all on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Apple French Toast Casserole, baked apple breakfast, cinnamon apple brunch, easy apple casserole, cozy breakfast recipes

Apples: I prefer sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala, peeled and sliced for tender bites.
Salted Butter: Divided use—part to cook the apples and part for the streusel topping for richness.
Granulated Sugar: For lightly caramelizing the apples, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Split between apples, custard, and streusel for warm spice throughout.
French Bread: Day-old is essential—you want it slightly stale so it absorbs the custard perfectly.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Together they create a creamy custard that keeps the casserole luscious.
Large Eggs: The heart of the custard, helping it set during baking.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the custard.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch to complement the cinnamon without overpowering.
Light Brown Sugar: For the streusel topping’s molasses-rich sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the streusel into a crumbly topping.

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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 French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks that help bring out new flavors or accommodate different tastes. Don’t be afraid to mix things up based on what you love or what you have on hand!

Add Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top bring a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that my family can’t resist.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the milk and cream for almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter—it still turns out delicious!
Seasonal Fruit Swap: Pears or peaches work wonderfully if you want to switch up the fruit based on the season.
Spice It Up: For an autumnal twist, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the custard mixture.

How to Make Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Apples to Perfection

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and melting 2 tablespoons of butter. I discovered this trick of tossing the apples with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon first—it really helps the apples soften gently and get that subtle caramelized flavor. Stir occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes or until the apples are tender but not mushy. Then set them aside to cool while you move on to prepping the casserole base.

Step 2: Layer Your Bread and Apples

Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. Spread out your diced day-old French bread evenly, then layer the cooled apples on top. This layering helps each bite have a balance of crisp bread and sweet cooked apples—trust me, it makes all the difference!

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon along with sugar (adjusted based on how you plan to top it). The custard binds everything together and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re aiming for. Pour it gently over the bread and apples, ensuring everything is evenly soaked. Don’t rush this—giving the custard time to saturate the bread makes the casserole extra creamy.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

The streusel topping is the cherry on top of this Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe. Mix brown sugar, diced butter, flour, and the remaining cinnamon using your fingertips until it looks crumbly and butter pieces are broken down. Sprinkle this evenly over the casserole. This gives a delightful crunchy contrast once baked.

Step 5: Chill and Bake

Cover your casserole and pop it into the fridge for at least 3-4 hours, or ideally overnight. This soaking step is what I learned makes the difference between good and unforgettable. When you’re ready, bake at 350ºF for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it—if the top starts browning too quickly, just tent with foil. You want the casserole set and slightly golden on top, not jiggly in the middle.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe

Avoid Soggy Bread: Using day-old French bread gives the perfect texture because fresh bread tends to get too mushy when soaked.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Overnight soaking lets the custard really infuse the bread, so plan ahead for best results.
Watch the Bake Time: Ovens vary, so check the casserole after 45 minutes and tent with foil if it starts over-browning.
Customize Sugar Amount: I’ve learned to adjust the sugar depending on whether I’m serving with syrup or a tangy sour cream icing to keep sweetness balanced.

How to Serve Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe

The dish shows a white baking dish filled with a layered dessert that has a golden brown crumb topping with a rough, crumbly texture. A woman's hand is holding a spoon above the dish, slowly pouring a smooth, creamy white sauce over the crumbly top layer, creating small pools of sauce on the uneven surface. The dessert appears dense and thick with visible pieces of baked dough beneath the crumbly layer. The background and surface are white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple French Toast Casserole, baked apple breakfast, cinnamon apple brunch, easy apple casserole, cozy breakfast recipes

Garnishes

I always top my slices with a drizzle of sour cream icing because the tang just lifts all those warm spices and soft apples. That said, some mornings my family insists on classic maple syrup, and honestly, both taste incredible. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkling of chopped toasted nuts adds a nice touch, too.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this casserole with simple sides like crispy bacon or sausage for some salty contrast. Fresh fruit or a mixed green salad adds brightness if you want a lighter meal. For brunch parties, a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream cheese on the side is a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings, I’ve served this Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe in mini casserole dishes, perfect for individual servings and fancy plating. Another time, I sprinkled edible flowers on top for a spring brunch—it was a showstopper! Layering with caramel sauce drizzle right before serving also makes it extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate—this casserole keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. When reheating, you want to preserve that tender custard texture without drying it out.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in a freezer bag. It’s perfect for quick breakfasts later on. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I recommend reheating in a 325ºF oven for 15-20 minutes, still wrapped in foil to keep moisture in. If you prefer the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out. Either way, it tastes almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?

Absolutely! While day-old French bread is ideal because of its texture and ability to soak up custard without becoming mushy, you can also use challah, brioche, or even thick sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s slightly stale or dry to absorb the liquid properly.
Do I have to cook the apples before assembling?

Cooking the apples first softens them and adds caramelized sweetness, which really elevates the casserole. You could skip this step if you’re short on time, but the texture won’t be as tender and flavorful. I highly recommend it for best results.
Can I prepare this casserole entirely the morning I want to serve it?

You can, but the flavor and custard absorption benefit greatly from at least a few hours of chilling, ideally overnight. If you’re in a rush, try to chill it for at least 3 hours before baking to help it set up well.
What is the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftover Apple French Toast Casserole is wonderful reheated with a little topping of sour cream icing or maple syrup. You can also enjoy it cold or at room temperature if you prefer—a slice or two makes a great snack!

Final Thoughts

This Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe has truly become a treasured weekend tradition in my home. It feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, a little indulgent, and bursting with cozy autumn flavors even year-round. I hope when you try it, you feel that same joy carrying it from my kitchen to yours. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, make it ahead, and wake up to deliciousness that brings everyone together. You really can’t go wrong with this one!