This apple pie French toast casserole is the best sweet and fruity breakfast dish that is perfect for any occasion! It combines the elements of classic French toast as well as homemade apple pie. You can make even make it in advance for some easy overnight French toast!
Grease or spray a 9x13 baking pan with non-stick baking or cooking spray. Arrange the cubed French bread in an even layer in your baking dish then top with cinnamon (or cinnamon and apple pie spice combo).
16 oz French bread, 1½ teaspoon cinnamon
In a large mixing bowl beat the eggs then add the half & half, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until well combined then pour over the layer of cubed bread.
6 large eggs, 2 cups half & half, ¼ cup light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 pinch salt
Use the flat side of a wooden spoon and press down on the soaking bread to make an even layer. Add the canned apple pie filling and spread evenly over the soaked bread.
21 oz apple pie filling
At this point, you can set aside the baking dish, preheat the oven, and mix the streusel oatmeal topping, or cover and refrigerate the partially assembled casserole for 1 hour to soak in the liquid (up to overnight).
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you mix the last casserole layer.
In a small bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned or quick cooking oats, light brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Add the melted butter to the mixed dry ingredients and mix using a fork until the butter is well distributed and your topping has a crumble texture.
½ cup old fashioned oats, ⅓ cup light brown sugar, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoon butter
Spread the topping over your breakfast casserole then bake in the middle of your oven's center rack at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired, or serve with whipped cream and maple syrup or caramel syrup.
Notes
You can use your favorite bread for this recipe as long as it will take on all of the eggy sauce without completely falling apart. I like to use rich, eggy bread like brioche or challah loaves.
Chop your canned apple pie filling up to help distribute the apple pie filling layer more evenly over your soaked bread.
I like to mix my apple pie spice with cinnamon for seasoning the bread, and also to 'boost' the canned pie filling flavor.
Dark brown sugar adds a rich depth of flavor with a hint of molasses that is incredibly yummy. It's worth trying out!
You can use milk, half & half, or heavy cream as your dairy. I prefer to use heavy cream when making French toast, and I typically use it in this breakfast casserole recipe as well.