Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole: A Cozy Breakfast Delight

This Overnight Apple Pie French Toast Casserole is the perfect breakfast or brunch treat for busy mornings. It combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the ease of make-ahead French toast. The result is a rich, custardy dish with tender, spiced apples and a golden, buttery topping.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Apple Filling:

  • 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Casserole:

  1. Layer the Bread:
    Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
  2. Make the Custard:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly to ensure all the bread absorbs the custard.
  3. Cook the Apples:
    In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender and caramelized. Spread the cooked apples evenly over the bread mixture.
  4. Refrigerate Overnight:
    Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Bake the Casserole:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Make the Topping:
    In a small bowl, mix together the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the pecans if using.
  3. Add the Topping:
    Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
  4. Bake:
    Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and puffed. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 330
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbs: 42 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Sugar: 22 g

Tips for the Best Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

  1. Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread absorbs the custard better, giving the casserole a rich, pudding-like texture.
  2. Make It Sweeter: Drizzle caramel sauce over the casserole before serving for an extra indulgent treat.
  3. Add a Crunch: Use granola instead of pecans for a crunchy topping variation.

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