Hey y'all! If you love warm, comforting breakfasts with a touch of irresistible sweetness, this Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake will have you head over heels. Imagine layers of pillowy bread soaked in spiced custard, a generous topping of gooey caramel apples, and a finish that's crispy on top yet insanely soft in the middle—it's a surefire crowd-pleaser for holidays, brunches, or cozy weekend mornings. Ready to dig in and make your kitchen smell amazing? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake
- Combines all the nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie with the ease of a French toast casserole.
- Perfect make-ahead option—assemble the night before for a stress-free morning.
- Feeds a crowd and makes any brunch or holiday breakfast extra special.
- Features a delightful mix of creamy, crispy, and gooey textures in every bite.
- Easily customizable with your favorite breads or apples!
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake
- 1 loaf (about 16 oz) day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced small
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup caramel sauce (plus more for serving)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Place the cubed brioche or challah evenly in the prepared dish.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to ensure all the bread is soaked. Set aside while you prepare the apple topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Apple Topping
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until just tender. Remove from heat and drizzle with ⅓ cup caramel sauce, tossing to coat the apples well.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Spread the caramel apple mixture evenly over the soaked bread in the baking dish. For extra gooey goodness, drizzle a bit more caramel on top if desired.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean). If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Notes: Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake Tips
- If your bread is fresh, cube it and let it sit out for a few hours or toast lightly to dry it out—this helps absorb the custard.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing so it holds together beautifully.
- Use tart apples for a great flavor balance against the sweet caramel.
Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake Variations
- Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans over the top before baking for a nutty crunch.
- Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel sauce and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- Apple-Berry: Mix in 1 cup fresh or frozen berries with the apples for a fruitier casserole.
Equipment Needed for Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Medium skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, though best enjoyed fresh.
Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake Pairings & Serving Ideas
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style look.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like twist.
- Pair with hot coffee, chai, or apple cider for a cozy brunch spread.
Pro Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake
- For the best texture, use slightly stale bread—it soaks up the custard without getting mushy.
- Let the assembled bake chill overnight in the fridge for deep flavor and easy make-ahead prep.
- Always check the center for doneness to ensure the custard is fully set before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions about Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake
- Can I make Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it come to room temperature while you preheat the oven, then bake as directed. - What kind of bread works best?
Brioche, challah, or sturdy French bread are ideal for this recipe as they soak up the custard and hold their shape. - Can I swap the caramel sauce for something else?
Feel free to use butterscotch, maple syrup, or even a homemade apple compote for a fun twist!
This Caramel Apple Pie French Toast Bake is truly the ultimate blend of comfort and decadence—perfect for making memories around the breakfast table. Enjoy every gooey, caramel-apple-filled bite!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large apples, peeled and diced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup caramel sauce, plus more for serving
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until apples are slightly softened.
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3In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, remaining brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
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4Layer half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, top with half of the cooked apples, then repeat with remaining bread and apples.
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5Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Gently press down to ensure all pieces are soaked. Cover and let sit for at least 20 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for best results).
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6Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until golden brown and set. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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