If you’re craving the cozy, nostalgic flavors of apple pie mingled with the comforting richness of French toast, then Apple Pie French Toast Casserole is your new breakfast dream come true. Imagine sweet apples swirling around gooey raisin bread, bound with a silky custard, and topped off with a brown sugar-walnut crunch. This make-ahead-friendly dish brings together everything you love about brunch and dessert, delighting a crowd or simply making a single lazy weekend morning unforgettable.

Apple Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this casserole is that every ingredient plays a star role. With a lineup this simple and familiar, each element adds something irreplaceable, elevating both taste and texture at every bite.

Raisin Bread: Choose a hearty, slightly stale loaf for maximum custardy absorption and bursts of juicy raisins in every bite.
Apple Pie Filling: A quick shortcut that delivers luscious, spiced apples and syrupy sauce, binding the whole casserole in classic pie flavor.
Large Eggs: These provide the essential structure, turning everything into a spoonable, sliceable delight.
Milk: Whole milk makes for the richest custard, but 2% works well if that’s what you have on hand.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the pie flavors and makes the kitchen smell like heaven.
Nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth—just a little goes a long way for that bakery-worthy touch.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the best in every other ingredient.
Allspice: For a whisper of aromatic complexity, echoing the spices in the apple pie filling.
Brown Sugar: Old-fashioned sweetness and a little caramel flavor for the crunchy topping.
Cinnamon: Nothing says “apple pie” like a cozy dusting of cinnamon spice.
Chopped Walnuts: These add a buttery crunch and a nutty finish that makes every serving feel special.

How to Make Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, so it’s ready when you are. Grab a 1.5-quart casserole dish and give it a generous coat of cooking spray—nothing ruins anticipation like a stuck casserole!

Step 2: Build the Bread Base

Take your raisin bread slices and rip them into bite-sized pieces. There’s no need for perfection here—rustic is beautiful. Spread those soft cubes evenly in your prepared dish, so every scoop later serves up both golden crust and pillowy center.

Step 3: Layer on the Apple Pie Filling

Spoon the apple pie filling over the bread layer, making sure those juicy, cinnamon-spiced apples are scattered across every corner. The bread will soak up all that pie filling goodness as it bakes, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth, then add vanilla, nutmeg, salt, and allspice. Pour this rich custard over the apple and bread layers, letting it seep in and transform those simple ingredients into Apple Pie French Toast Casserole magic.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

Mix together brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top for a crackly, spiced finish that sets this casserole apart from ordinary French toast bakes.

Step 6: Bake to Cozy Perfection

Cover the casserole and bake for 30 minutes first, letting the flavors meld and the custard set. Remove the cover for the final 30 minutes, giving your casserole a perfectly golden, crisped-up top. You’ll know it’s ready when the egg mixture is set and the kitchen smells like a country bakery.

How to Serve Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Dress your Apple Pie French Toast Casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. Even an extra sprinkle of cinnamon will dial up the comfort factor and make every plate picture-perfect.

Side Dishes

This casserole truly shines with simple sides: think crispy bacon, sizzling breakfast sausage, or a bright fruit salad. The savory-sweet balance turns any morning into a festive, full-on brunch experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop generous portions into elegant ramekins for an individual twist, or serve family-style for ultimate comfort. For a special touch, pair each serving with a scoop of vanilla gelato—yes, it’s breakfast, but life’s too short for breakfast rules!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, Apple Pie French Toast Casserole can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making a second helping just as irresistible as the first.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the baked and cooled casserole in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a just-baked treat ready in no time.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Short on time? Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, but the oven brings back the topping’s irresistible crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While raisin bread brings added sweetness and texture, French bread, brioche, or even croissants will soak up the custard beautifully and make the casserole your own.

Is it possible to assemble the Apple Pie French Toast Casserole the night before?

Yes! Simply assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Pop it in the oven the next morning for a completely fuss-free breakfast that’s still freshly baked.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Homemade filling is a fantastic alternative if you have extra apples and love a slightly more tart or spiced flavor. Just make sure it’s thick and syrupy before layering it into the dish.

Are there any nut-free options for the crunchy topping?

You can easily omit the walnuts or swap in toasted oats, crushed graham crackers, or seeds for a satisfying crunch without any nuts.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Double all ingredients and use a 3-quart casserole dish. You may need a slight increase in baking time, so keep an eye on that golden, puffy top.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about Apple Pie French Toast Casserole—it brings family and friends together, fills the house with luscious aromas, and makes any breakfast feel extra special. Give it a try and let this crowd-pleasing comfort dish steal the show at your next brunch or cozy weekend morning!