Apple French Toast Casserole

5 from 1 vote

Apple French Toast Casserole

This Apple French Toast Casserole is the ultimate Fall breakfast or brunch recipe that's easy to make in advance for a crowd. Prep the bake in minutes the day before, then cook it in the morning for a sweet breakfast that will be gone in seconds.

Prep Time20

Cook Time40

Total Time2

Course: bread, Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: holiday, holidays

Servings: servings

Calories: 597kcal

Ingredients

6 jumbo eggs or 8 large eggs
12 ounces evaporated milk
21 gram pouch spiced apple cider instant drink mix divided
1/2 cup brown sugar divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 cups cubed bread brioche, French, or challah bread
2 cups peeled and chopped apples apple variety as desired
1/3 cup chopped pecans, walnuts or sliced almonds optional
1/4 cup salted butter
Optional garnishes: maple syrup, salted caramel, additional chopped fresh apple, fresh whipped cream

Instructions

Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Spread the prepared bread cubes and apple pieces in the prepared baking dish.
For the custard, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, half of the spiced apple cider drink mix, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the custard evenly over the top of the bread and apples. Gently tap to ensure all of the bread cubes are submerged.
If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the bread. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Once ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a small bowl, whisk together butter and the remaining half of the spiced apple cider drink mix and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Pour the mixture over top of the prepared base.
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Let the baked French toast cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve with your favorite toppings.

Video

Notes

Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or toaster oven until warmed through.

You can freeze the leftovers as well for up to 2 months. We like to cut the casserole into individual servings, then wrap and freeze them for easy reheating. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for the best results.

This is the best breakfast to make in advance as well! We love to assemble it the night before to make serving breakfast on a busy weekday morning or to a group of people in the weekend so much easier.

Tips:

Choose your favorite type of apple for this recipe. We love Granny smith, their tartness pairs with the sweet bake so well. Another couple favorites are honeycrisp and cosmic crisp. They are sweet and sour in flavor making for the perfect flavor.
Add nuts if desired. We love adding pecans, walnuts, or even almost for a bit of a crunch in every bite.
Day-old bread is better for this apple french toast bake. When the bread is slightly stale, it actually soaks the custard up better to make it more moist and delicious.
We recommend soaking the casserole overnight if you have the time. You can soak for 1 hour, but if you do have time to assemble the day before, it allows the flavors to become even more delicious when baked.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @dinnerin321 or tag #dinnerin321!