Apple Pie French Toast Breakfast Casserole
Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
This apple pie French toast breakfast casserole is the cozy, make‑ahead breakfast I reach for when I want something warm, comforting, and easy to prep the night before. We can a lot of apple pie filling every fall, so I’m always looking for ways to use it beyond traditional pie. This casserole is exactly that.It makes a soft, custardy French toast layered with sweet apple pie filling and baked until golden and crisp on top.
It’s perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, or breakfast for dinner. And since it soaks overnight, the bread absorbs every bit of flavor. You wake up, pop it in the oven, and breakfast is done.
Why This Recipe Works
- Overnight convenience. The bread soaks up the custard, giving you a soft, custardy center with crisp edges.
- Apple pie filling adds instant flavor. No peeling, chopping, or cooking apples.
- French bread holds up beautifully. It won’t turn mushy, even after soaking.
- Perfect for using home canned pie filling. Or any canned filling you have on hand.
- Feeds a crowd. Easy to double for a 9×13 pan.
Ingredients & Notes
- Apple pie filling (1 pint or 1 can): Homemade or store‑bought both work.
- French bread: About half a loaf, torn into bite‑size pieces. Brioche or challah also work.
- Eggs: The base of the custard.
- Milk: Whole milk works best. Half‑and‑half makes it richer.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the custard and helps caramelize the top.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth.
- Cinnamon or cinnamon‑vanilla: Either works beautifully.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps crisp the top.
Variations
- Cherry pie filling for a Black Forest‑style breakfast.
- Blueberry pie filling for a summer version.
- Peach pie filling for a peaches‑and‑cream twist.
- Pumpkin pie filling for fall.
- Cinnamon roll version: Swap bread for cinnamon roll dough pieces.
Serving Ideas
- Warm maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Crispy bacon or sausage
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Refrigerate
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freeze
Freeze individual portions for easy breakfasts. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat
Warm in the microwave or bake at 300°F for 10–12 minutes until heated through.
Toast Tips:
- You can used canned apple pie filling or apple slices with cinnamon and sugar
- If you want to bake the same day, at least allow it to sit for 1-2 hours before baking
- If you do not have maple syrup, use 1/4 teaspoon maple extract
- Use milk or to make it creamier, use half and half
- Serve with your favorite breakfast meat
- Freeze into single servings to enjoy all week long
More Breakfast Recipes
- Easy Hash Brown Casserole
- Overnight French Toast Bake
- Blueberry Pancake Casserole
Apple Pie French Toast Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 pint or can of apple pie filling
- 1/2 loaf french bread about 9 inches long, pulled into small pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a greased 8×8(or 9×9) pan, add the broken up french bread.
- Add the can of apple pie filling and spread out evenly.
- Place pieces of butter on top of the bread, spreading it out over the top.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk, vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon, mixing thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture over the french toast.
- Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and place in the fridge to set overnight.
- When ready to cook, remove from fridge and remove foil/plastic wrap. The pan should come up to room temp before placing in the oven.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes until crispy and the eggs are cooked, no longer runny.
WOW! Got to try this! Apple pie/French toast can’t go wrong!
It’s like having pie for breakfast!
Apple pie is great. Thanks for bringing this into my life 🙂
Enjoy! It’s a great dish, without feeling so much like french toast.