Do you love French toast? It was one of those treats that I rarely had growing up. My mother worked multiple jobs, so most meals we had were quick or frozen, unless it was a holiday. She loved making breakfast on the rare times she had weekends off. One of the big treats he would do was get clearance bread from the local bakery store and make French toast. It was very simple and not the fanciest out there, but as a little kid, this was the greatest treat in the world. When I think of weekends with my mom, this was one of the sweetest, especially since she would usually make a large batch of it, and the whole family would get together (especially when my brothers came home on weekends).
As an adult, I don’t know why I don’t make French toast more often. My husband loves it, and it is one of those quick recipes that is fantastic when I have leftover bread. It is especially good with homemade French bread or croissant bread that is a bit stale (I sometimes find it on Kroger clearance, which feels like a major score on my part). Lately, though, I have just been making homemade French bread or getting it on sale to make French toast.
With me having company more often, though, I have been trying to figure out if there is a way I can make French toast ahead of time for guests. While it is a fairly straightforward recipe, it is very time-consuming, especially if you make it for many people. After talking to some friends online and looking at various cookbooks, I think I have finally perfected the perfect French toast casserole recipe that uses everyday ingredients in the house and fresh fruit as well! My favorite is with fresh apples, especially when they start to come into season!
With me finding apples on sale, I have especially loved making this delicious apple pie overnight French toast casserole. The flavor is everything I love about French toast, with the sweet, delightful flavors that come with traditional apple pie. While it may be a bit sweet, it is excellent for many guests, especially if you cook for children. While I like less sweet things, many guests love putting maple syrup on this delightful breakfast recipe. I especially love the texture of this French toast mixed with the apples.
Are you ready to make this fun breakfast casserole for your family? Our full Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is below. Just make sure to tell us how it turns out or if you have tried it with other fresh fruit!
Are you looking for other recipes like this one to add to your meal plan or to entertain guests during the holidays? Check out our other homemade recipes here! Also, if you want more recipes for excess apples, check out our apple chai bread and apple pie cobbler recipes!
Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
A delicious and easy to make french toast casserole that tastes like traditional apple pie and can be made overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 - 12 hours chilling
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add the apple slices, water, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to a medium saucepan.
- Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat and cook the apples until softened, about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove the pot from the heat and set aside.
- Using a serrated knife, cut the French bread into 1-inch chunks and spread them out evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
- Add the eggs, cream, milk, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla to a medium mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the prepared bread pieces, turning them over gently to ensure all the pieces are fully coated. Set aside.
- Add the flour, butter, brown sugar, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to a separate mixing bowl. Mix with your hands, working the butter in until the entire mixture is moistened. Set aside.
- Using a slotted spoon, drop the prepared apples evenly over the prepared French bread. Pour the liquid from the apples evenly over the entire casserole.
- Sprinkle the prepared crumble topping evenly over the entire casserole.
- Cover the casserole and refrigerate it overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid.
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover it, and bake it in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the topping is a deep golden brown color.
- Serve warm, topped with maple syrup and whipped cream.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Note: If you are looking for a 9″x13″ casserole dish, I highly recommend this one from Pyrex. It isn’t expensive and the one I have from them has lasted me for years. I also love that it has a top for easy storage.
About Susan Bewley
Susan Bewley is a professional writer who has been writing content online & in print format for over 10 years. As well, she is an alumni of the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When not working as an online business consultant or ghost writing, she can be found writing on Budget Earth, on her own novel, or working with various entities in the pet industry.
