Craving a cozy, comforting breakfast without the morning rush? This Apple Pie Overnight French Toast is your new best friend. It’s like eating warm apple pie for breakfast, all made easy by preparing it the night before.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bread: Brioche or challah are best, but any thick-cut bread works.
- Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well. Any firm apple is fine.
- Milk: Any kind of milk (dairy or non-dairy) is perfect.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup is classic, but honey or brown sugar can also be used.
Ingredients
For the French Toast Bake:
- 6 cups (about 12 slices) day-old bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free butter alternative)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies based on ingredients)
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, large mixing bowl, small saucepan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. This delicious apple mixture is key to that apple pie flavor!
2. Arrange the Bread
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish. The day-old bread helps soak up the egg mixture better, giving you the best overnight French toast.
3. Layer with Apples
Sprinkle the cooked apple filling evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. This creates pockets of warm, spiced apple throughout your apple pie overnight French toast.
4. Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of egg white. This is the custardy base that makes this dish so good.
5. Pour and Chill
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are all soaked. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This crucial step lets the bread absorb all that wonderful flavor.
6. Bake in the Morning
The next morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown and puffed up, and the center is set.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Let the apple pie French toast cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra maple syrup, add a dollop of whipped cream, or sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired. Get ready for a delicious breakfast that tastes like dessert!
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Apple Pie Overnight French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
Yes, but day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better, leading to a less soggy result. If using fresh bread, you can lightly toast it first. -
Can I prepare this in advance for more than one night?
It’s best to prepare it the night before. While it might be okay for up to 24 hours in the fridge, the bread can become too soft if left longer. -
What if I don’t have brioche?
Challah, Texas toast, or even thick-cut white bread works well. The key is a sturdy bread that can soak up the custard without falling apart. -
Can I add other spices to the apple filling?
Absolutely! A pinch of ground ginger or allspice would also be delicious and complement the apple pie flavors. -
How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
The top will be golden brown, the edges will be slightly crispy, and if you gently press the center, it should feel set and not jiggly. -
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and a plant-based butter alternative for the apples.