Warm caramel, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and custard-soaked bread come together in the ultimate comfort breakfast: Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole.
This make-ahead recipe is ideal for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, or any time you’re craving a cozy, indulgent start to the day.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a low-effort breakfast that looks and tastes impressive, this casserole checks all the boxes.
Rich, sweet, and packed with fall flavor, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole
There’s a reason this dish has become a go-to for fall and winter mornings. Here’s why it stands out:
- Perfect for the season – Caramel and apples scream fall, and this recipe captures that essence.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep it the night before and bake it in the morning.
- Crowd-pleasing – It’s great for brunch parties, family gatherings, or holiday breakfasts.
- Customizable – Add-ins like cream cheese or nuts take it up a notch.
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples and fresh fruit for big flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Substitutions)
Here’s what goes into this decadent breakfast casserole:
- Bread: Thick-cut brioche, challah, or day-old French bread works best for absorbing the custard without getting soggy.
- Eggs and Milk: These form the custard base that soaks into the bread.
- Apples: Granny Smith adds tartness and holds up well when baked, but Honeycrisp or Fuji are also great choices.
- Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: For that warm, spiced apple pie flavor.
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce adds rich sweetness.
- Optional Add-ins:
- Cream cheese (cubed or dolloped)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Vanilla extract or a splash of maple syrup for extra depth
How to Make Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole
This recipe comes together with just a few simple steps:
- Cook the Apples
- Sauté peeled and chopped apples in butter with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar until softened and caramelized.
- Prep the Bread
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Layer half in a greased baking dish.
- Stuff the Layers
- Spoon the sautéed apples over the bread. Add cream cheese cubes if using. Top with the remaining bread.
- Make the Custard
- Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Pour evenly over the casserole, pressing down gently to ensure everything is soaked.
- Add Caramel
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Bake It
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden. Drizzle with extra caramel before serving.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This casserole is designed to be made ahead, making it ideal for stress-free mornings.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: Assemble the casserole fully, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked casserole portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Reheating Tips: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual servings for 30–60 seconds.
Variations and Toppings to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations and topping ideas:
- Add Cream Cheese: Layer small cubes of cream cheese throughout for a rich, tangy twist.
- Use Croissants: Swap bread for day-old croissants for a buttery, flaky texture.
- Try Apple Pie Filling: In a pinch, use canned apple pie filling instead of sautéing fresh apples.
- Toppings:
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- Maple syrup or extra caramel drizzle
- Powdered sugar
- Toasted nuts or granola
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is rich and sweet, so pair it with something savory or light to balance it out:
- Savory Sides: Crispy bacon, sausage patties, or scrambled eggs
- Beverages: Serve with hot coffee, spiced chai, or cold apple cider
- Fruit: A side of fresh berries, orange slices, or a light fruit salad
- Yogurt: Add a small scoop of vanilla or plain yogurt for a creamy contrast
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make this without refrigerating overnight?
Yes, you can bake it after letting it sit for at least 30–60 minutes, but overnight soaking gives the best texture.
What kind of bread works best?
Brioche or challah is ideal because it’s soft yet sturdy. Day-old French bread or croissants also work well.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole
This Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast that's perfect for fall mornings, holiday brunch, or feeding a crowd. With soft layers of custard-soaked brioche, spiced caramelized apples, and a decadent drizzle of caramel sauce, it tastes just like dessert, but it's perfectly acceptable for breakfast.Easy to prep the night before and bake in the morning, this casserole brings all the warmth and flavor of autumn to your table with minimal morning effort.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Casserole
- 1 loaf (14–16 oz) brioche or challah bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream or more milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup caramel sauce plus more for drizzling
Optional:
- 4 oz cream cheese cubed
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and lightly caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cubed bread into the dish.
- Layer the cooked apples evenly over the bread.
- (Optional) Scatter cream cheese cubes and nuts over the apples.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and apples.
- Press gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the custard.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle with additional caramel sauce and serve warm.