Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Rich, gooey, and bursting with warm fall flavors, this Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole is a comforting breakfast bake that doubles as a dessert. Imagine tender bread soaked in cinnamon-spiced custard, layered with slices of tart apples, and finished with a generous drizzle of buttery caramel sauce. Every bite melts in your mouth with that irresistible combo of sweet and spice.

Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunch, or even a cozy evening treat, this casserole is as indulgent as it is easy to make. You can prep it the night before and pop it in the oven the next day—no stress, just sweet, spiced satisfaction. If you’re a fan of caramel apples and French toast, this recipe marries both into one crave-worthy dish that’s guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.

---

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

For best results, use a thick, sturdy bread that can hold up to the custard without getting mushy. Brioche and challah are excellent choices because they’re rich and slightly sweet, enhancing the dessert-like flavor of the casserole. French bread also works well, especially if it’s a day or two old.

Avoid super soft sandwich breads—they tend to fall apart and won’t give you those satisfying, golden edges.

---

Ingredients for the Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole

Brioche or Challah Bread – This is the base of the casserole, providing a soft yet sturdy texture that soaks up the custard beautifully.

Apples – Tart varieties like Granny Smith work best to balance out the sweetness. They hold their shape when baked and add juicy bites throughout the casserole.

Eggs – Essential for making the custard that binds everything together and gives the dish structure.

Milk and Heavy Cream – These create a rich, creamy custard that soaks into the bread.

Brown Sugar – Adds depth and warmth with its molasses flavor. Perfect for sweetening the custard and topping.

Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg – These spices add cozy, autumnal flavor to the casserole.

Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors.

Butter – Used for both greasing the dish and mixing into the caramel topping for richness.

Caramel Sauce – Store-bought or homemade, this finishes the dish with a luscious, glossy topping that ties everything together.

Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavors.

---

How To Make the Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor to the edges of your casserole.

Step 2: Build the Layers

Cut your brioche or challah bread into thick cubes (about 1.5 inches). Layer half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the sliced apples. Repeat with the remaining bread and apples to form a second layer.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Make sure the sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Pour and Soak

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and apples. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best texture.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge, discard the foil, and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Step 6: Drizzle with Caramel

Once out of the oven, let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Warm your caramel sauce slightly and drizzle generously over the top. Serve warm with extra caramel or whipped cream, if desired.

---

Serving and Storing Your Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole

This warm, spiced casserole is best served fresh from the oven when the caramel is oozy and the apples are tender. For brunch, slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt. If you’re serving it as dessert, it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to wrap it tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! It’s actually better when prepped the night before. Just assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning as directed.

What kind of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel and custard. Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well if you prefer sweeter apples.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Definitely. French bread, sourdough, or even croissants work nicely. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard.

Is homemade caramel sauce necessary?

Not at all. Store-bought caramel works great, but if you have time to make it from scratch, it adds a lovely depth of flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and cream, and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative. There are also vegan caramel sauces available.

How do I know it’s done baking?

The top should be golden and slightly crispy, and the center should no longer jiggle when gently shaken. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.

---

Want More Breakfast Casserole Ideas?

If you’re loving the sweet and cozy vibes of this Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole, you’re going to want to explore these comforting breakfast favorites next:

• Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole if you love sticky, cinnamon-sugar indulgence.
• Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast for a custardy, caramelized twist on classic French toast.
• Easy Air Fryer Caramel Apple Wontons if you’re into handheld caramel-apple snacks.
• Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins for a lighter morning option with just the right touch of sweetness.
• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites when you want something fruity, cool, and fun.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or holiday board so you’ll always have it on hand for cozy mornings.

And if you try this Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole, let me know in the comments! Did you go the store-bought caramel route, or make your own? Add extra apples or even a sprinkle of pecans?

I’d love to see how you made it your own. And for more delicious ideas like this, follow me on Pinterest at Life with Nina where I share new recipes daily.

---

Print