Apple Pie French Toast Casserole (Caramel Streusel Breakfast Bake)
This Apple Pie French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish combining the comforting flavors of apple pie with the classic appeal of French toast. Cubes of French bread are soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg mixture, layered with sweet apple pie filling, topped with a buttery oat streusel, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfect for serving a crowd or preparing ahead for a cozy morning treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus 1 hour refrigeration
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf French bread, cut into cubes
- 1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
Streusel Topping
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats (or old-fashioned oats)
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan to prevent sticking. Place the cubed French bread evenly in the greased pan and sprinkle the cinnamon over the bread cubes for a warm spice flavor.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This mixture will soak into the bread to create a custardy texture when baked.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking pan. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the bread cubes down so they absorb the liquid thoroughly. This ensures each piece is infused with the custard.
- Add Apple Pie Filling and Refrigerate: Spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the soaked bread cubes, spreading it to cover the surface. Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard and flavors to meld.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Streusel: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, mix the melted butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and oats together in a small bowl until crumbly to create the streusel topping.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes or until the custard is set and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Drizzle caramel sauce over the warm casserole just before serving to add a rich, sweet finishing touch. Slice and serve warm for a delicious breakfast or brunch delight.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the night before for easy morning preparation.
- Use day-old French bread for best texture as it absorbs the custard better.
- Substitute apple pie filling with fresh cooked apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a homemade touch.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter for the streusel.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.