Name: Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons apple pie spice; 1 loaf French bread or sourdough bread; 1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling; 1/2 cup flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon apple pie spice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cold butter; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Maple syrup, for drizzling; Whipped cream

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, then this Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe is absolutely for you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this for friends and family — it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Imagine layers of cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in custardy bread, all baked to golden perfection with a buttery streusel topping. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to weekend breakfast or holiday brunch staple.

💜

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Magic: You prepare it the night before and wake up to deliciousness already underway.
Ultimate Comfort Food: All the cozy flavors of apple pie combined with custardy baked French toast.
Crowd Friendly: It’s easy to scale up, perfect for family or brunch guests.
A Delicious Crispy Streusel: The topping adds just the right crunch and extra flavor that makes it so addictive.

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a red and white patterned cloth partially under it. Inside the bowl, there are three main layers: on the left is white flour, next to it is a brown powder spice, and on the right are light yellow chunks of butter. A metal pastry cutter with a black handle is partially inside the bowl, pressing down on the ingredients. In the blurred background, three red apples are visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The harmony of spices, apples, and custardy bread is what makes this Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe shine. Picking the right bread and using a good apple pie filling really makes the difference between ‘meh’ and ‘wow!’ when it comes out of the oven.

French Bread or Sourdough Bread: I prefer day-old bread here because it soaks up the custard without getting mushy.
Eggs: They’re the foundation for that rich custard you’ll soak your bread in.
Milk & Heavy Cream: The combo gives the custard a silky texture without being too heavy.
Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and caramel notes to both the custard and the streusel topping.
Vanilla Extract: A small touch goes a long way in bringing warmth and depth.
Apple Pie Spice: This blend — cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves — is essential for that classic apple pie taste.
Apple Pie Filling: My shortcut to perfectly cooked, sweet and spiced apples without extra prep.
Flour, Cinnamon, and Salt: These make up the streusel topping’s base for crispiness and flavor balance.
Cold Butter: You want cold butter to cut into the dry ingredients for the streusel’s perfect crumb.
Powdered Sugar, Maple Syrup & Whipped Cream: For finishing touches that make you feel like you’re eating dessert for breakfast.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe — it’s so versatile! Feel free to customize it according to what’s in your pantry or your personal taste.

Dairy-Free Version: I’ve swapped the milk and cream for almond or oat milk, and used coconut oil for the streusel butter; it still comes out wonderfully comforting.
Fresh Apples: If you like a bit more texture, sauté fresh sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar instead of using canned filling.
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add a fresh twist to the classic flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Toss chopped pecans or walnuts into your streusel for extra crunch and nuttiness.

How to Make Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Custard

Cut your French bread into thick slices — about ¾ to 1 inch. You want them sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, and apple pie spice until smooth and creamy. Pour this custard over the bread slices in a buttered baking dish, pressing gently so each piece soaks up those cozy flavors. Cover and pop it in the fridge overnight—or at least for a few hours—to really let the flavors mingle and the bread soften perfectly.

Step 2: Add the Apple Pie Filling

The next morning (or when you’re ready to bake), spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the soaked bread. This sweetness paired with the custard-soaked bread always blows me away — it’s like apple pie and French toast had the perfect breakfast baby.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt in a bowl. Then, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This streusel will melt and crisp up while the French toast bakes, adding that unforgettable crunchy contrast that makes this recipe truly special.

Step 4: Bake It to Perfection

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples and bread. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for about 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly and the custard is set in the middle. When I first tried this, I was worried about the bread drying out, but the custard keeps everything moist and tender while the streusel crisps up beautifully—seriously dreamy texture.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe

Use Day-Old Bread: It soaks up the custard better and prevents soggy French toast.
Chill Overnight: Don’t skip this step! It enhances flavor and texture, making the custard soak through completely.
Keep Butter Cold for Streusel: This helps create that perfect crumbly topping; warm butter will just melt in.
Moderate Oven Temperature: Baking at 350°F gives you a crispy top and tender inside without drying out the custard.

How to Serve Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe

A wooden plate holds a single serving of baked dessert with a golden-brown crust that looks crisp and slightly caramelized. The dessert layer beneath shows soft, bubbling apple pieces with a light shine. At the top, a large swirl of white whipped cream is placed, with a light dusting of cinnamon powder on it. In the background, halved red apples are softly blurred against a white marbled surface. A woman’s hand is reaching toward the dessert, and a silver fork with a black handle lies beside the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I go all out and dust this baked French toast with a dusting of powdered sugar, drizzle warm maple syrup on top, and finish with a generous cloud of freshly whipped cream. The creaminess cuts through the sweetness and gives that extra fluffy, indulgent touch that my family goes crazy for.

Side Dishes

Pair it with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a little savory balance. Fresh fruit on the side—like berries or orange slices—adds a bright contrast that really complements the warm spices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch during holidays or brunch parties, serve individual squares in small cast iron skillets or on pretty plates topped with a sprig of fresh mint and a cinnamon stick. I’ve also layered smaller portions in clear glass dishes to show off the apples and streusel layers—it’s always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. The custard keeps the bread moist, so reheated slices still taste fresh and flavorful. Just cover the dish or wrap slices individually in plastic wrap to lock in moisture.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to batch prep. I cut the Apple Pie Baked French Toast into squares and freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, you can pop frozen pieces straight into the oven or toaster oven for a quick treat.

Reheating

For reheating, I recommend warming leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you get a fresh crisp on the streusel and the custard warms evenly without drying out. Microwaving works if you’re in a hurry, but the texture isn’t quite as satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe?

Absolutely! While French bread or sourdough works best because of its density and ability to soak up custard, you can experiment with brioche, challah, or even a sturdy whole wheat loaf. Just be sure the slices are thick enough to hold the custard without falling apart.
Is apple pie filling necessary, or can I use fresh apples?

Using canned apple pie filling is a great shortcut, but fresh apples work wonderfully too! Simply peel and slice them, then sauté with butter, brown sugar, and spices until tender before layering. This adds a fresher texture but takes a bit more prep time.
How long do I need to soak the bread overnight?

Overnight or at least 6 hours is ideal, but you can soak for as little as 2-3 hours if you’re short on time. The longer soak allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread, creating that creamy, custardy interior.
Can I prepare this entirely in the morning and bake right away?

You can, but I’ve found that the flavors and texture improve significantly when the bread soaks overnight. If you’re baking immediately, just allow the custard to soak for at least 30 minutes before adding the apples and streusel.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe has become one of those dishes I always have in my back pocket when I need to impress or treat my family to something special. It strikes the perfect balance of flavor — sweet, spiced, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. If you love breakfast with a cozy twist, you really should give this a try. I guarantee you’ll be asked to make it again and again, just like I am!