Name: Apple Pie French Toast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-497928H21M34S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 21 ounces apple pie filling (canned) or alternatively:; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 large apples, sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 15-ounce loaf Vienna bread (or French bread or challah), roughly cubed; 8 large eggs; 3 cups milk; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats (or rolled oats for a chewier crumb); 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or plain flour); 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 pinch baking powder; 3 tablespoons melted butter (light or reduced fat preferred); 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (icing sugar); 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 1 1/2 tablespoons milk

Introduction

This Apple Pie French Toast Bake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the classic French toast casserole. Perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions, it offers a delightful mix of tender bread, sweet spiced apples, and a crunchy oat topping.

This image shows a baked dessert in a clear glass rectangular dish on a white marbled surface. The dessert has two main layers: the bottom layer is soft, golden, cooked fruit filling with a glossy texture, mostly yellow with some deeper golden tones, while the top layer is a crumbly oat mixture, golden brown with some toasted edges and a rough texture. Light white icing is drizzled unevenly over the top, adding a soft contrast to the crumbly oat topping. A large silver spoon is scooping a corner portion out, revealing the thick fruit layer beneath the oat crust. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

21 ounces apple pie filling (canned)

1 tablespoon butter

4 large apples, sliced

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

15 ounce loaf Vienna bread (or French bread or challah), roughly cubed

8 large eggs

3 cups milk

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup quick-cooking oats (or rolled oats for a chewier texture)

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 pinch baking powder

3 tablespoons melted butter (light or reduced fat)

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon maple syrup

1 1/2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: If you prefer to make your own apple pie filling, heat a medium pot over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 10-15 minutes until the apples are soft and tender.

Step 2: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the cubed bread evenly in the dish and set aside.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until well combined. Pour this egg mixture over the bread, pressing down gently to soak all the pieces thoroughly.

Step 4: Spread the apple pie filling over the soaked bread evenly.

Step 5: For the crisp topping, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, baking powder, and melted butter in a medium bowl until combined and crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apple-covered bread.

Step 6: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Step 7: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes.

Step 8: Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is cooked through.

Step 9: While baking, prepare the frosting by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 10: Once baked, drizzle the frosting over the warm French toast bake and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread for the best texture that soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy.

Swap out the apple pie filling for fresh-cooked cinnamon apples for a homemade touch.

For extra richness, replace some of the milk with half-and-half or cream.

Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping for added crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, brioche, challah, or sturdy white bread work well. Avoid very soft sandwich bread as it may become too mushy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives. Flavor and texture may vary slightly but it will still be delicious.