Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you love the comforting flavors of fall and crave a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, then the Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is your new go-to brunch delight. This dish combines tender slices of brioche soaked overnight in a rich custard infused with cinnamon-spiced apples, resulting in a golden, gooey, and utterly irresistible meal that tastes just like apple pie for breakfast. Perfect for making ahead, it transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe plays a special role. From the fluffy bread to the melty butter and cinnamon-spiced apples, each component adds layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly shine.

• 16 slices day-old Brioche or Challah bread (½-inch thick, divided): Using day-old bread ensures it soaks up all the custard without getting soggy.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85 grams, divided): Butter adds richness and helps caramelize the apples beautifully.
• 6 Gala apples (peeled and sliced): These sweet, crisp apples create that classic apple pie flavor and soften perfectly when cooked.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon): A splash of lemon brightens the apple mixture and balances the sweetness.
• 1¼ teaspoon apple pie spice (4 grams, divided): This warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings the signature “apple pie” aroma to life.
• 8 large eggs (400 grams): Eggs create the custard base that soaks into the bread, giving it a creamy texture.
• 2 cups whole milk (227 grams) or half-and-half: Milk thins out the custard for the perfect soak and tenderness.
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar (133 grams): Sweetens the custard without overpowering the natural apple flavors.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (8 grams): Vanilla adds depth and complements the spices and apples beautifully.
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: For a pretty and sweet finishing touch before serving.
• Maple syrup: Classic accompaniment adding extra luscious sweetness if you desire.

How to Make Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by spraying a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your French toast doesn’t stick to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

Arrange 8 slices of your brioche or challah in the prepared dish, slightly overlapping. If you notice any gaps, don’t hesitate to cut slices to fill in those spaces so your casserole bakes in an even layer.

Step 3: Cook the Apples

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the peeled, sliced Gala apples and cook gently until tender but not mushy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once softened, remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice to infuse the apples with warmth and brightness.

Step 4: Add Apples and Bread

Spread the luscious apple mixture evenly over the bottom layer of bread. Then, top with the remaining 8 slices to build the perfect French toast sandwich, locking in all those flavors.

Step 5: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard will soak into the bread, creating that classic French toast texture.

Step 6: Pour and Press

Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and apples. Gently press down with the back of a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula to help the custard soak thoroughly into every nook and cranny.

Step 7: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the casserole and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This soak time is essential for the bread to absorb all the rich custard and aromatic spices, so your casserole bakes up perfectly custardy inside.

Step 8: Bring to Room Temperature

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step helps it bake evenly throughout.

Step 9: Prepare Spiced Butter

Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the last ¼ teaspoon of apple pie spice to create a fragrant apple spice butter that will elevate the final bake.

Step 10: Drizzle and Bake

Pour the apple spice butter over the top of the bread evenly. Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes until the custard is set in the center and the top is a beautiful golden brown color. Let it cool for 10 minutes to firm up before serving.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if you like it extra sweet. The contrast of warm cinnamon apples, custardy bread, and sweet syrup is an unbeatable way to start the day.

How to Serve Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar immediately adds a lovely, delicate sweetness and makes the casserole look as inviting as it tastes. For an extra special touch, a handful of toasted pecans or a dollop of whipped cream can turn this breakfast into a dessert-worthy treat.

Side Dishes

Pair this Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with crispy bacon or sausage for some savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt also make bright, refreshing sides that balance the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins layered with apples and custard, perfect for brunch gatherings. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent brunch or dessert option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps beautifully, and the flavors even deepen after sitting for a while, making dinner simply reheated leftovers that feel special.

Freezing

This Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe freezes well before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and the custard is soft again. Avoid the microwave if you can, since the oven does a better job of keeping the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of brioche or challah?

While brioche or challah are ideal for their richness and texture, you can use other breads like French bread or even Texas toast. Just make sure it’s thick-sliced and a day old to soak up the custard properly.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for the milk and butter?

Absolutely! Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of whole milk, and swap butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The flavors will be slightly different but still deliciously comforting.

Can I make this casserole without overnight soaking?

Technically yes, but the custard needs enough time to soak in fully to get that perfect texture. If short on time, soak for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The top should be golden brown, and the custard in the center should be set, not jiggly. You can gently insert a knife or toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.

What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Gala apples are perfect for their balance of sweetness and crispness. But you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith if you prefer a tarter bite or a different texture.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe truly feels like a warm embrace on a chilly morning. Its blend of spices, tender apples, and custardy bread is comfort food elevated to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a staple for holidays, special weekends, or any day you want breakfast to feel extra magical. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!

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