There is something mighty comforting about taking a handful of simple grocery-store staples and turning them into a warm dessert that feels right at home on a Thanksgiving table. This baked french toast stick dessert has the spirit of an old-fashioned bread pudding, but it comes together with frozen unthawed french toast sticks, making it a fine shortcut for a busy holiday week. With apple pie filling, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a little whipped topping, it bakes up soft underneath with crisp golden edges and the kind of sweet aroma that brings folks drifting into the kitchen.
Serve this dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or an extra dollop of whipped topping. For a Thanksgiving spread, it fits especially well beside coffee after supper, and it is lovely with toasted pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a little sharp cheddar on the side if you enjoy that sweet-and-savory Midwestern touch with apple desserts.
French Toast Stick Apple Bake
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 (24-ounce) box solid frozen unthawed french toast sticks
1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whipped topping, for serving
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a rimmed sheet pan or 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the solid frozen unthawed french toast sticks in an even layer in the pan. Spoon the apple pie filling over and between the sticks as evenly as you can.
3. Stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until combined, then drizzle the mixture all over the pan.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the french toast sticks are hot through, the tops are golden brown, and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
5. Let the dessert rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then serve warm with whipped topping spooned over each portion.
Variations & Tips
Pecan Topping: If you want a little extra crunch, scatter 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the top before baking. They toast up beautifully and pair especially well with the apples and cinnamon.
Try a Different Filling: Cherry pie filling or peach pie filling can be used in place of apple for a different holiday dessert flavor. Keep the rest of the recipe the same and bake until hot and bubbly.
For a Richer Finish: A drizzle of caramel sauce over the warm servings makes this taste even more like a special occasion treat. That is a fine touch if you are setting this out for company.
Pan Tip: Be sure the french toast sticks stay frozen when they go into the pan. Starting with them solid and unthawed helps them hold their shape better as the dessert bakes.
Make It Ahead: You can mix the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon earlier in the day and keep it covered at room temperature. When dessert time comes, all you have to do is assemble and bake.