Name: Apple Butter French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf Sourdough bread (or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes); 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon apple pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup apple butter; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

This apple butter French toast casserole is an easy make-ahead breakfast made with simple ingredients like bread, apple butter, and apple pie spice. Thick cubes of bread soak up a spiced custard, then get layered with sweet apple butter and a buttery streusel topping. Baked until golden and crisp on top, it is finished with a generous drizzle of maple syrup for the perfect cozy morning dish.

A plate of sourdough french toast casserole with a fork.

Amy's notes

This apple butter French toast casserole is a great way to use up day old bread and turn it into something special.

Sourdough sandwich bread works especially well, but any sturdy loaf will hold up and bake beautifully.

The bread absorbs a lightly spiced custard, then gets layered with apple butter and a crisp streusel topping before going into the oven.

Serve it warm with maple syrup for brunch, or enjoy a slice later in the day as a sweet, comforting treat.

Enjoy! Xx

Ingredients & Equipment needed

Ingredients: You'll need crusty sourdough bread, apple pie spice, salt, eggs, full-fat milk, brown sugar (light or dark), and vanilla extract. We love using homemade sourdough bread, but if you don't have any on hand, you can also use brioche, challah, or any stale bread!

Topping: You'll need apple butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 1

Cut the sourdough bread into 1-inch cubes.

Wet ingredients for sourdough french toast casserole in abowl.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, apple pie spice, and salt.

Crumble topping for sourdough french toast casserole in a bowl.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, mix the butter, sugar, and flour together until clumps form.

Step 4

Evenly spread the sourdough bread cubes in the casserole dish.

Wet ingredients poured over sourdough cubes in a casserole dish.

Step 5

Pour the apple pie spice, egg, and milk mixture evenly over the bread cubes.

Let the mixture sit on the kitchen counter for 30 minutes to 1 hour so the bread can soak up the liquid. (If preparing ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight.)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).

Apple butter drizzled over sourdough cube mixture in a casserole dish.

Step 6

Drizzle the apple butter over the bread cubes.

Crumble topping over sourdough cubes in a casserole dish.

Step 7

Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the casserole.

Baked sourdough french toast casserole on a table.

Step 8

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is mostly set.

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool and completely set, 10-15 minutes, before serving.

How to Store

Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Once fully cooled, wrap the casserole (whole or in portions) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, label with the date. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and reheat until warmed through.

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