Description

This Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole is a decadent, comforting breakfast or brunch dish featuring layers of buttery brioche bread, tender spiced apples, and a rich custard soaked overnight, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup, it combines the flavors of classic apple pie with the ease of an overnight French toast bake.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Layer

16 slices day-old Brioche or Challah bread (½-inch thick, divided)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85 grams, divided (¾ stick))

Apple Filling

6 Gala apples (peeled and sliced)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
1¼ teaspoon apple pie spice (4 grams, divided)

Custard Mixture

8 large eggs (400 grams)
2 cups whole milk (227 grams or half-and-half)
⅔ cup granulated sugar (133 grams)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (8 grams)
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

For Serving

Powdered Sugar
Maple Syrup

Instructions

Grease: Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer Bread: Place 8 slices of bread in the prepared dish, slightly overlapping. Cut slices as needed to fill any gaps.
Cook Apples: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add peeled and sliced apples and cook just until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and 1 teaspoon apple pie spice.
Assemble Layers: Spread the cooked apple mixture evenly over the bottom bread layer, then top with the remaining 8 slices of bread.
Whisk Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until fully combined.
Soak Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers. Press gently with the back of a wooden spoon or spatula to help soak the bread.
Chill Overnight: Cover the casserole dish and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Preheat Oven and Rest: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge, let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Butter Drizzle: Melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a small skillet or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice.
Drizzle Butter: Pour the spiced melted butter evenly over the soaked bread.
Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve: Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup as desired for a sweet finish.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
Apple pie spice can be substituted with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice if unavailable.
Letting the casserole sit at room temperature before baking helps even cooking.
For a richer dish, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
This casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.
Serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Apple Pie, French Toast Casserole, Overnight Breakfast, Holiday Breakfast, Brunch, Brioche French Toast