Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, show-stopping breakfast that practically makes itself overnight, you’re going to adore this Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe. Imagine tender slices of bread soaked in a creamy, spiced custard, layered with sweet apple pie filling, and topped with a buttery streusel that crisps up beautifully in the oven. I first made this when I wanted something warm and comforting for a weekend brunch, and ever since, it’s become my go-to when I want to impress without stress. You’re going to love how all those flavors mingle into one irresistible morning treat—stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail it perfectly!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe is that the ingredients come together like magic—classic bakery flavors combined with cozy fall spices. Choosing a dense bread like French bread or sourdough is key because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.

• French Bread or Sourdough Bread: Use day-old or slightly stale bread; it soaks the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
• Eggs: They create the custard base—make sure they’re fresh for best flavor and texture.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for richness, but 2% will also do.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra creaminess and a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Brown Sugar: Adds warm sweetness in both the custard and streusel topping.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash brightens up the flavors wonderfully.
• Apple Pie Spice: This blend packs cinnamon, nutmeg, and more—essential for that classic apple pie taste.
• Apple Pie Filling: Canned works perfectly here; chunky apples in syrup bring juicy sweetness with ease.
• Flour: For the streusel topping’s structure and balance.
• Cinnamon: Enhances the spice profile of the streusel topping.
• Salt: Just a pinch to highlight all the flavors.
• Cold Butter: Cut into bits for the streusel topping, crucial for that crumbly texture.
• Powdered Sugar (optional): For dusting—adds a pretty finishing touch.
• Maple Syrup: The ultimate drizzle for serving, adding a natural sweetness boost.
• Whipped Cream: Makes the dish feel indulgent and bakery-worthy.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add a nutty crunch or keep it lighter, I’ve got some ideas that have worked great in my kitchen.

• Nutty Streusel: I like to toss chopped pecans or walnuts in with the streusel topping for an extra crunch and earthy flavor.
• Fruit Swaps: Instead of apple pie filling, try fresh mixed berries or peaches for a seasonal twist.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or oat milk and coconut cream instead of regular milk and heavy cream—still creamy and dreamy!
• Extra Cinnamon: If you love that warm spice kick, gently up the apple pie spice and cinnamon amounts to suit your taste buds.

How to Make Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard and Soak the Bread

Start by whisking together your eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, and apple pie spice until everything’s smooth and fragrant. Pour this custard over the sliced French bread arranged in your baking dish. It’s key to press the bread gently into the custard so every corner soaks up that sweet, spiced goodness. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight. Trust me, this step is pure magic — the longer the bread soaks, the richer and tender your baked french toast will be.

Step 2: Add the Apple Pie Filling Layer

The next morning, take your custard-soaked bread out and gently spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the top. You want to distribute those sweet, cinnamon-kissed apple chunks all over so every bite has a little surprise. If you like, gently press the apples down into the bread a bit to meld the flavors, but don’t squish it all together—you want distinct layers.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks crumbly and sandy. This topping is the star that adds a sweet crunch on top, so make sure those butter chunks aren’t fully blended in. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the apples, covering the whole dish.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop your dish into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You’re looking for the streusel to turn a beautiful golden brown and the custard to be set but still moist inside. If you notice the topping browning too fast, loosely cover the dish with foil towards the end. When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes so it firms up just right.

How to Serve Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting this with powdered sugar and then topping each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for that extra indulgence. A warm drizzle of maple syrup is non-negotiable in my book—it adds that classic breakfast sweetness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands out on its own, but I often serve it alongside crispy bacon or sausage for some savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or even a simple green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette can brighten up the meal nicely if you want to keep things balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special brunches, I’ve assembled this in mini ramekins instead of a big dish, so each person gets their own personalized serving. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or add a swirl of caramel drizzle on top for a fun twist that makes it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I usually cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep the streusel topping from getting too soft. Reheating slices gently is key to preserving that golden crunch.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, slice it before freezing and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and foil. It can keep for up to two months in the freezer. When I’ve done this, freezing doesn’t dull the flavor or texture, which is a lifesaver for busy mornings!

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend baking individual slices at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the streusel crisps back up. Microwaving can work in a pinch but tends to soften the topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe is truly one of those feel-good dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles. I love that you can prep it the night before, saving you from a hectic morning, but still serve something that feels homemade and special. Whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a holiday morning, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery goodness that everyone goes crazy for. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become one of your favorite traditions!

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