Indulgent Apple Pie Baked French Toast You'll Adore

Waking up to the smell of cinnamon-spiced apples baking in the oven feels like a warm embrace on a chilly morning. This Apple Pie Baked French Toast is the cozy breakfast you didn’t know you needed, ready to delight your taste buds while being remarkably easy to prepare. Perfect for overnight prep, this dish guarantees a delicious start to your day, whether it’s a festive brunch or a simple family breakfast. The combination of buttery French bread soaked in creamy custard and layered with sweet apple pie filling creates an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress your loved ones. Plus, it’s as versatile as it is satisfying—swap in your favorite fruits or bread types and make it your own. Are you curious yet about how to whip up this sweet morning magic? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Baked French Toast

Simplicity: This recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for both seasoned chefs and beginners!

Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare it the night before, and wake up to a delightful breakfast with minimal morning effort.

Versatile Options: Easily customize it with different fruits or bread types, so you can enjoy a new twist every time!

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples and custardy French bread will have everyone begging for seconds.

Comfort in Every Bite: Each slice delivers heartwarming, indulgent flavors reminiscent of a classic apple pie—ideal for cozy mornings or festive gatherings! You might also enjoy this cozy breakfast if you’re looking for more delicious ideas.

Apple Pie Baked French Toast Ingredients

• Get ready to create cozy magic!

For the Custard

• French Bread – Use sturdy sourdough or brioche to soak up the custard beautifully.
• Eggs – Make sure they are at room temperature for a smooth custard blend.
• Milk and Heavy Cream – Adds richness; whole milk or plant-based versions work well too.
• Brown Sugar – Infuses sweetness and depth; granulated sugar is a fine substitute.
• Vanilla Extract – For enhancing flavor, choose pure extract for best results.
• Apple Pie Spice – Gives warming spice notes; a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice can replace this.

For the Filling

• Apple Pie Filling – A sweet, textured layer; fresh apples sautéed with sugar and spices can be a tasty alternative.

For the Topping

• Flour – Forms the base of the streusel; you can use all-purpose flour or gluten-free blends.
• Streusel Ingredients – Cold butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt create a crunchy, flavorful topping.

This delicious recipe for Apple Pie Baked French Toast is versatile enough to suit gatherings and make-ahead breakfasts alike!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Pie Baked French Toast

Step 1: Prep Bread
Start by cutting your sturdy French bread into thick slices, about 1 inch thick. Arrange the slices neatly in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping them to maximize surface area for soaking. This foundational step is crucial for ensuring each piece absorbs the rich custard beautifully.

Step 2: Make Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and apple pie spice until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard will lend a creamy, delicious texture to your Apple Pie Baked French Toast. Aim for a uniform consistency, visually smooth without any lumps.

Step 3: Soak Bread
Pour the prepared custard evenly over the arranged bread slices in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure everything is soaked well. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This soak time allows the bread to absorb all the flavors, making each slice deliciously custardy.

Step 4: Add Filling
Once the bread has soaked, it’s time to add the apple pie filling. Evenly spread the filling over the top of the soaked bread, ensuring each slice gets a taste of the sweet apple goodness. The filling will melt into the custard as it bakes, contributing to the overall cozy flavor of your Apple Pie Baked French Toast.

Step 5: Prepare Streusel
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel topping. Add in the cold butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel creates a crunchy contrast to the soft, custardy bread, enhancing the texture and flavor of your dish.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple pie filling. Bake the Apple Pie Baked French Toast uncovered for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling and the center is firm yet custardy.

Apple Pie Baked French Toast Variations

Feel free to get creative! There are so many delightful ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes.

• Gluten-Free: Swap traditional French bread for gluten-free bread to enjoy a delicious version that everyone can partake in.
• Fruit Medley: Replace apple pie filling with a mix of fresh berries or peaches for a bright, fruity contrast that bursts with flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for an added layer of crunchy texture. The nuttiness beautifully complements the sweetness of the apples.
• Vegan: Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs, and swap out dairy milk for almond or coconut milk, along with dairy-free cream.
• Extra Spice: Spice it up by adding a dash of cardamom or ginger to the apple mixture for a little kick that elevates the cozy flavors.
• Chocolate Twist: Introduce chocolate chips into the custard or sprinkle on top of the apple pie filling for a decadent chocolatey twist.
• Pumpkin Delight: Replace apple pie filling with pumpkin puree mixed with spices for a fall-inspired treat that’s incredibly cozy.
• Savory Option: For a twist, use savory bread like challah and add cooked bacon or sausage to the filling—perfect for brunch with a different flair!

Excited to try these variations? Each twist brings its own charm, so let your imagination run free in the kitchen! Enjoy this delightful breakfast with a side of fresh fruit or crispy bacon for a heartwarming meal that warms your soul.

Expert Tips for Apple Pie Baked French Toast

• Overnight Soak: Allowing the French bread to soak in the custard overnight maximizes flavor absorption for that delicious custardy texture everyone loves.

• Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs ensures a smooth custard mixture. Cold eggs can lead to a lumpy texture that won’t blend well.

• Streusel Perfection: For an evenly crumbly streusel topping, consider using a pastry cutter to mix the butter with the dry ingredients, avoiding over-mixing.

• Bake Check: Keep an eye on your Apple Pie Baked French Toast while it bakes. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it lightly with foil to prevent burning.

• Flavor Twists: Don’t shy away from experimenting! Swap apple pie filling for other fruits like berries or peaches to create delightful variations that cater to your taste.

Make Ahead Options

This Apple Pie Baked French Toast is a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic mornings! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance by following the soaking steps. Simply cut the French bread and arrange it in a buttered baking dish, then whisk together the custard ingredients and pour them over the bread. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, add the apple pie filling and the streusel topping, then bake as directed. The soaking process ensures each slice absorbs flavors beautifully, so you’ll enjoy that heavenly, custardy texture just as much as when made fresh!

Storage Tips for Apple Pie Baked French Toast

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezer: For longer storage, slice the baked French toast, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated thoroughly. Enjoy this cozy Apple Pie Baked French Toast again!

Assembly Tip: Consider prepping your Apple Pie Baked French Toast in advance, so it’s ready to bake fresh when you need it—perfect for busy mornings!

What to Serve with Apple Pie Baked French Toast

There’s nothing quite like a cozy breakfast spread to elevate your mornings into memorable moments.

• Crispy Bacon: The salty, savory crunch of bacon pairs perfectly with the sweet, custardy French toast, balancing flavors beautifully.
  A side of bacon adds an irresistible contrast to the dish and delights all breakfast lovers at the table.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing, light touch to your indulgent French toast, enhancing the experience.
  Consider including apples, berries, or citrus to keep things vibrant and colorful on your brunch table.

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top creates a rich, creamy layer that complements the spices and sweetness.
  This simple addition transforms your breakfast into a gorgeous dessert-like experience with each bite!

• Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm, rich maple syrup over the baked French toast adds a touch of sweetness while enhancing its comfort-food quality.
  The syrup will seep into the dish, making every mouthful even more satisfying.

• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate adds a delightful beverage pairing that warms you from the inside out.
  These drinks not only complement the flavors of your breakfast but also provide a cozy atmosphere perfect for lingering mornings.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent twist, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side; it’s a delicious way to cool down the sweet warmth.
  The creamy richness of ice cream mingles beautifully with the apple pie flavors, making every bite a nostalgic delight.

Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best for apple pie baked French toast?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using sturdy bread like sourdough or brioche. These varieties hold up well during soaking, ensuring that every slice absorbs the custard beautifully without falling apart. Aim for a loaf that’s a day or two old, as slightly stale bread will absorb the custard even better.

How should I store leftover apple pie baked French toast?
For sure! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you go this route, I suggest reheating slices covered in the microwave or oven until warmed through, which keeps the texture cozy and delicious.

Can I freeze apple pie baked French toast?
Absolutely! To freeze, first slice the baked French toast into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn. This will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

What can I do if my custard doesn’t set properly?
Very! If you find that your custard hasn’t set after baking, it’s likely that it needed a bit more time in the oven. Make sure to check for a firm consistency in the center—if it wobbles too much, it needs a few more minutes. You could also try lowering the oven temperature to 325°F and continuing to bake until firm, checking every 5 minutes, for perfect results.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Great question! This recipe does contain common allergens like eggs and dairy, so if you’re preparing it for someone with allergies, consider substituting with vegan alternatives. Using flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and swapping out dairy for plant-based milk and cream can create a similar custardy texture without the allergens. Just ensure your filling meets these dietary needs as well!

Can I prepare apple pie baked French toast in advance?
Absolutely! This is one of the best features of this recipe! You can prep everything the night before—just arrange the bread, pour the custard over it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply add the apple pie filling and streusel topping, and bake it fresh for a warm, delightful breakfast that’s ready to impress!