Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you love caramel apples and warm French toast, this recipe combines both in one easy dish. It’s baked instead of cooked on the stove, so you can make it for a crowd without flipping slices one by one. This Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole Recipe is perfect for brunch, holidays, or a cozy weekend breakfast.

You’ll get soft bread soaked in cinnamon custard, layered with caramel and apples. The best part? You can make it ahead the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.

Easy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s easy to assemble with simple ingredients.
• You can make it ahead, so there’s no morning rush.
• The flavors of caramel, cinnamon, and apples taste like fall comfort food.
• It’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or lazy weekends.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole

You only need a few simple ingredients. Using the right kind of bread and apples makes a big difference in taste and texture.

For the Casserole

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup sugar

For the Apple Filling

• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Caramel Sauce

• ½ cup caramel bits or soft caramels
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Tips:

• Use day-old bread so it absorbs the custard without turning soggy.
• Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of caramel well.

How to Make Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole

This baked version is simple to put together. You’ll make the apple filling, mix the custard, and layer everything in a dish before baking.

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes until apples soften and caramelize slightly.
4. Set aside to cool a bit.

Step 2: Make the Custard

1. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
2. Stir until well mixed.
3. This mixture will soak into the bread and give that soft, custard-like texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel

1. Add caramel bits, butter, and cream to a small saucepan.
2. Stir over low heat until smooth and melted.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool for a minute.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Spread half of the bread cubes in the dish.
3. Spoon half of the apple filling over the bread.
4. Drizzle with some caramel sauce.
5. Add the rest of the bread, apples, and caramel.
6. Pour the custard evenly over everything.
7. Gently press the bread down so it soaks up the liquid.

Step 5: Chill or Bake

• For best results, cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
• If baking right away, let it sit for at least 30 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
3. If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

• Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top before serving.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream if you like.

Tips for the Best Baked French Toast Casserole

1. Use the right bread. Brioche or challah holds its shape better than sandwich bread.
2. Let it soak. Refrigerating overnight gives the best texture. The custard soaks deep into the bread.
3. Avoid sogginess. Use stale bread or lightly toast cubes before layering.
4. Add texture. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a slight crunch.
5. Reheat leftovers. Warm slices in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.

Easy Variations and Add-Ins

You can easily change up this recipe based on what you have.

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for crunch.
• Add cream cheese: Spread softened cream cheese between bread layers for a creamy texture.
• Use other fruits: Try pears or berries instead of apples.
• Make it savory: Skip caramel and apples. Add cooked bacon or sausage for a breakfast version.

These small tweaks can make the casserole suit any season or taste.

Nutrition and Health Tips

French toast casserole is a treat, but you can make it a little lighter without losing flavor.

• Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
• Cut the sugar slightly and let the apples’ natural sweetness stand out.
• Use whole-grain bread for more fiber.
• Add nuts for healthy fats and crunch.
• One serving (about 1 cup) has around 300–350 calories depending on ingredients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it the next morning for easy prep.

Q: What’s the best bread to use?
Brioche and challah are soft but sturdy. They soak the custard without getting mushy.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Bake it first, cool completely, then freeze portions in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven at 325°F.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes. It saves time and tastes great. Just warm it slightly before drizzling.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with scrambled eggs or sausage for a balanced breakfast.
• Add fresh fruit or yogurt on the side to lighten the meal.
• Serve with coffee, apple cider, or spiced tea.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven so the bread stays crisp.
• You can also warm slices in the microwave for 30–40 seconds if you’re short on time.

To freeze, wrap cooled portions in foil and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole is a warm, satisfying breakfast that looks special but doesn’t take much work. You can prepare it the night before, bake it in the morning, and serve a full table without stress. The mix of caramel, cinnamon, and baked apples makes every bite rich and cozy.

Try it this weekend or during your next family brunch. If you enjoy it, share your version in the comments or check out more easy Breakfast Recipes on HomeandFiesta.