Dive into cozy and classic flavors this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. Perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch, this dish combines juicy apples, aromatic cinnamon, and soft French bread in a deliciously easy recipe. Assemble it the night before and enjoy a relaxing morning with a gourmet touch!

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Last weekend I had overnight guests, so I decided to make this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. It was the perfect breakfast choice! It has a freshness thanks to the apples but also a touch of fall flavor due to the cinnamon and nutmeg.

What I especially love about recipes like this French toast casserole is that everything is assembled the night before, allowing you to just pop it in the oven in the morning. This way, as the host, you don’t feel rushed and are free to enjoy a cup of coffee with your guests.

I ended up serving this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole with Brown Sugar Bacon. This is my absolute favorite way to make bacon! I went very light on the brown sugar since the casserole is sweet. I also paired the French toast with my Breakfast Fruit Salad with Yogurt.

All-in-all this is a simple, straightforward way to impress your guests and treat yourself to a delicious, stress-free morning.

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole in a white casserole dish.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How to Make

4 Recipe Variations

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Breakfast Treats You’ll Love

7 Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare everything the night before, relax, and just bake in the morning. It’s perfect for enjoying more time with your guests rather than rushing around in the kitchen.
Classic Comfort: The warm, sweet flavors of apple and cinnamon wrapped in the soft embrace of French toast make this casserole a comforting treat that’s hard to resist.
Effortlessly Elegant: This dish isn’t just delicious—it also looks beautiful on any brunch table. Serving this casserole feels like unveiling a gourmet dish, minus the fuss.
Customizable Creativity: Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Add nuts for a crunch, or perhaps a dash of cardamom for a unique twist—make it your own!

Hosting brunch (or breakfast) and looking for more of my favorite recipes? Then this collection of my best brunch recipes is for you!

Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole on a plate with a fork.

Ingredients

You don’t need many things to put together this Apple Cinnamon Stuffed French Toast. If you pick up some bread and apples, you’ll likely have the rest of the ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

French Bread: A sturdy loaf that holds up well to soaking, making it the perfect base for your casserole.
Apples: Fresh, peeled, and sliced, these add a juicy, tart sweetness that complements the richness of the custard. I used Granny Smith, but you can use whatever apple you like best.
Milk: The main liquid component that helps create the custard-like texture once baked.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the casserole its fluffy texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples and the savory notes of the bread.
Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole, adding a warm, aromatic essence.
Salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors of the casserole.
Cinnamon: Provides a spicy warmth that’s a classic match with apples. It’s also used in the topping for an extra hit of spice right on the surface.
Ground Nutmeg: Offers a sweet yet slightly nutty flavor to the mix, pairing wonderfully with cinnamon.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting over the baked casserole, adding a touch of sweetness and a professional finish.
Pure Maple Syrup: The perfect drizzle that complements the casserole’s flavors with its natural woodsy sweetness. I always recommend pure maple syrup. It makes all the difference.

Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

How to Make

Now we’re ready to mix and baked up this delicious breakfast recipe. It’s so easy! I’ll walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Begin by spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray. Arrange the slices of bread in the pan, slightly overlapping each slice. Layer the apple slices over the bread. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk until well blended. Pour this mixture over the apples and bread.

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole in a baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle over the casserole. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until set. (Bake for 30 minutes covered; then remove the aluminum foil to finish baking.) Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Serve with pure maple syrup.

I find that this casserole can brown quickly in the oven. (You’ll notice in my photos that a piece or two got a bit brown.) I’ve learned to bake it covered for half the time and uncovered for half the time, but do what works best in your oven.

Top with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar and serve with maple syrup for the perfect finishing touch!

baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole in a white dish.

Recipe Variations

Nuts About Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft texture of the baked casserole.
Berry Delicious: Toss in a handful of fresh or frozen berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a burst of tangy sweetness.
Raisin the Bar: Sprinkle in some raisins or dried cranberries before baking for a chewy texture and a pop of fruity flavor.
Apple Alternatives: Swap out the apples for pears or a mix of both for a different kind of sweetness and a slightly softer texture.
Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, scatter some chocolate chips throughout the layers. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of chocolate as the casserole bakes.
Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, allspice, or pumpkin spice mix to give your casserole a unique flavor profile.

These simple tweaks allow you to customize the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole to suit your taste preferences or to work with what you have on hand. Enjoy creating a version that’s all your own!

pouring syrup onto Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole on a plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?

Absolutely! While French bread is ideal for its sturdy texture and ability to soak up the egg mixture without becoming soggy, you can also use challah, brioche, or any thick, dense bread that holds up well to moisture.

What type of apples are best for this recipe?

For baking, you want apples that keep their structure and offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Good options include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji.

How long can I store the leftover casserole?

Leftover casserole can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm throughout.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

This recipe is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and keep it in the fridge overnight. Simply bake it in the morning according to the instructions.

Can I add extras to the casserole?

Definitely! Consider adding chopped nuts for crunch, dried fruit for extra sweetness, or a sprinkle of your favorite spice to tailor it to your taste.

fork taking a bite of Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole with maple syrup.

More Breakfast Treats You’ll Love

And that’s a wrap! This beautiful, delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to spice up your weekend routine, this recipe promises to deliver both flavor and convenience.I hope you’ll give it a try. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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