Warm slice of apple-raisin French toast casserole served with breakfast sausages, strawberries, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon on a white plate with green leaf trim.
Breakfast

Decadent French Toast Casserole with Apples and Raisins for Happy Mornings

0 comments Heads up: some of the links below help me pay the bills (aka affiliate links). Click with care and thanks for the support!

This French Toast Casserole brings a cozy touch to breakfast and brunch with its mix of sweet apples and plump raisins. It’s a simple yet delicious baked French toast that you can prepare overnight, making mornings easier while satisfying your food cravings. Using familiar spices and a French baguette creates a pretty food centerpiece for any fall breakfast idea or special occasion.

Apple-Raisin French Toast Casserole

Recipe by Victoria JonesCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Total time

65

minutes
Calories

350

kcal

1

hour 

5

minutes

A sweet, warm breakfast casserole that’s perfect for Christmas morning or any day of the year, featuring apples, raisins, and warm spices.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 3 apples – peeled, cored, and sliced

  • ½ cup raisins

  • 1 (1 pound) loaf French baguette, cut into 1 inch slices

  • 6 eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 ½ cups milk

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

  • Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, then stir in the melted butter.
  • Toss in the sliced apples and raisins until they’re all coated.
  • Pour this sweet mixture into your prepared pan and arrange the bread slices evenly on top of the apples.
  • In the same bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
  • Pour this over the bread, making sure every slice gets soaked.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Bake it covered for about 40 minutes; then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until golden.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients and equipment to create your delicious Apple-Raisin French Toast Casserole:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup butter, melted (unsalted)
  • 3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (any variety you prefer)
  • ½ cup raisins
  • 1 (1 pound) loaf French baguette, cut into 1 inch slices
  • 6 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Detailed Cooking Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
  3. Stir in the melted butter until fully combined.
  4. Add the sliced apples and raisins to the bowl, tossing to coat them well.
  5. Pour the apple and raisin mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Arrange the sliced French baguette evenly on top of the apple mixture.
  7. In the same bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
  8. Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, ensuring each slice gets soaked.
  9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors blend.
  10. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) about 30 minutes before baking.
  11. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator while the oven heats up.
  12. Bake covered for about 40 minutes, then remove the foil.
  13. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden on top.
  14. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
  15. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup or add a dollop of Cool Whip before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Warm slice of apple-raisin French toast casserole served with breakfast sausages, strawberries, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon on a white plate with green leaf trim.
  • For added flavor, consider using a mix of different apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
  • Use day-old bread for the best texture; it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.
  • If you need to make this ahead of time, assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for a fresh breakfast.
  • To reheat leftovers, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes until heated through.
  • For a nutty twist, toss some chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple and raisin mixture before baking.

You Might Also Like

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common mistakes when making French toast casserole?

Common mistakes include using bread that is too fresh, not soaking the bread long enough in the egg mixture, and baking at the wrong temperature which can lead to uneven cooking.

What is the best bread for French toast casserole?

Day-old brioche or challah bread works best for French toast casserole because it soaks up the custard well without falling apart.

Why is my French toast casserole soggy?

A soggy casserole usually means the bread soaked too long or the custard was too wet. Baking it longer or letting it rest uncovered can help fix this.

What is the most common mistake in making French toast?

The most common mistake is cooking it too fast at high heat, which results in burnt outsides and raw centers.

Save This Recipe for Later

Enjoyed this recipe? Be sure to bookmark it for later, or share it with your friends who would love to try it!

Pin it here

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*