Can I use gluten-free bread?

Yes! You can use gluten-free bread, but make sure it's sturdy enough to hold the filling. Challah or brioche work best.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It's even better the second day, trust me!

Can I use different fruit?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the apples for your favorite fruit, like pears, peaches, or berries. Just adjust the spices accordingly. Cranberry apple crisp french toast? Yes, please!

Does it need to be served warm?

While it's delicious warm, it's also great at room temperature. Great for a brunch buffet!

Can I make this ahead of time?

The casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. You might need to add a few minutes to the baking time.

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This Apple Crisp French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead brunch dish for a crowd. Imagine waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon apples and buttery, crunchy oats. This is not a drill; it's incredibly good!

It's a delightful combination of sweet and comforting flavors, and the crunchy oat topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft, custard-soaked bread and juicy apples. It's incredibly simple to assemble, making it ideal for busy weekend mornings, holidays, or special occasions. Plus, it's incredibly delicious!

Apple Crisp French Toast Casserole

Name: Apple Crisp French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Fall
Ingredients: 1 loaf Bread; 6 large Eggs; 1 cup Milk; 1/2 cup Heavy Cream; 1/4 cup Maple Syrup; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 4-6 medium Apples; 1/4 cup Brown Sugar; pinch Nutmeg; 1/2 cup Rolled Oats; 1/4 cup Pecans or Walnuts; 1/4 cup Melted Butter

This Apple Crisp French Toast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead brunch recipe, combining the comfort of French toast with the delightful crunch of a crisp topping.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

📖 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish generously—trust me, you don't want this stuck to the bottom!
Tear 1 loaf of your favorite bread (challah or brioche are amazing!) into bite-sized pieces. Don't be too precise; rustic is good!
In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 cup of milk (whole milk is best for richness!), 1/2 cup of heavy cream (yes, it's worth it!), 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Don't over-whisk; a few lumps are fine. Its a little bit rustic!
Gently toss the torn bread pieces in the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. Let this sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard. This is not optional-- do not skip!
Peel and slice about 4-6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are awesome choices). You want a good mix of tart and sweet. I like to toss the apples with 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Don't over-do the sugar, its a little sweet already!
Layer half of the soaked bread in the prepared baking dish. Top with the spiced apple mixture. Then, layer the remaining bread on top of the apples. Its a bread-apple-bread sort of situation!
Pour any remaining egg mixture over the top. It will probably soak in and look delicious!
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Its a little crunch!
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. Use a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it's ready! If not, bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit more. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy! It's a yummy dessert!

📝 Notes

For extra sweetness, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the bread mixture.
Feel free to use different types of nuts, or omit them altogether.
If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half instead, but the casserole might be slightly less rich. Use what you have!