There is something truly magical about waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon mingling with rich, custardy bread. This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe captures that cozy feeling perfectly, offering a dish that’s as inviting as it is delicious. Imagine tender cubes of brioche soaked in a luscious cinnamon-spiced custard, layered with sweet, tart apples, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a brilliant way to bring excitement to breakfast or brunch and a perfect recipe to impress loved ones with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is part of what makes it a beloved favorite. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures—from the creamy custard soaking into soft bread cubes to the warm, spicy apple topping that adds a burst of freshness and richness.
- Brioche or challah bread, 1 loaf (about 16 ounces): These breads absorb custard beautifully, giving a soft, fluffy texture with slight sweetness.
- Apples, 3 large (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced: Their natural tartness contrasts the sweet custard, keeping each bite vibrant.
- Eggs, 6 large: The foundation of your custard, eggs help set the casserole with a creamy yet firm texture.
- Whole milk, 2 cups: Adds richness and moisture, balancing perfectly with the bread.
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Boosts the custard’s decadence and silky mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the apples and spices.
- Ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons: Brings warm, fragrant spice that defines this dish’s comforting character.
- Ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds subtle depth and warmth supporting the cinnamon.
- Pure vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and heightens flavor complexity.
- Light brown sugar, 1/3 cup (packed): Used in the topping, it caramelizes to create a deliciously crisp, sweet crust.
- Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon: Mixed with the brown sugar to add spice to the topping layer.
- Unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons (melted): Binds the brown sugar topping and adds a golden richness when baked.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using butter or nonstick spray; this will prevent sticking and help the edges crisp up beautifully. Arrange the cubed brioche or challah evenly across the dish, creating a sturdy, yet airy base for all those luscious flavors to meld.
Step 2: Add the Diced Apples
Scatter the diced apples over the bread cubes evenly. The apples not only lend their iconic fruity tang but also infuse the dish with moisture and texture. Choosing tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweet-crisp Honeycrisp ensures a delightful contrast against the richness of the custard-soaked bread.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is fully combined and slightly frothy. This custard mixture is the heart of the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe, soaking deeply into the bread to create that creamy, custardy bite we all crave.
Step 4: Pour Custard and Soak
Gently pour your custard evenly over the arranged bread and apples, making sure each cube gets a good swim. Lightly press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to soften beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Topping
Combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl, then stir in the melted butter until well mixed. Sprinkle this irresistible topping generously across the casserole. As it bakes, it caramelizes, adding a delightful crunch and deep molasses sweetness that perfectly complements the softer custard beneath.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Allow the assembled casserole to sit for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature. For even better flavor infusion, cover and refrigerate overnight. This step is a game changer — the bread soaks in all that custard and spice, making the final dish extra tender and flavorful.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the center is set but still moist. Keep an eye on the color to avoid overbaking; you want a beautiful crust with a tender, creamy interior.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the casserole and let it cool slightly to help it settle. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with maple syrup—it’s pure breakfast bliss on every plate.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the dish and add a splash of color. Toasted pecans or walnuts lend crunch, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream adds a light sweetness. Thin apple slices or a little extra cinnamon dusted on top enrich the visual appeal and deepen the flavor experience.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as the star but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a vibrant berry compote for a burst of acidity that balances the rich custardy texture. Crispy bacon or a side of sausages contrast with savory notes, rounding out a hearty brunch spread that will impress every guest.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the casserole in individual ramekins can be a charming way to personalize portions and impress family or friends. Alternatively, layering it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this breakfast into a dessert-worthy treat. Drizzle with caramel sauce to really wow the crowd and showcase your creative twist on the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent it from drying out. Cold or reheated, it still tastes delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this casserole after baking. Wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the top regains some of its crispness. For a quick fix, microwave on medium power, but be mindful that the texture won’t be quite as crispy as fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are ideal for their rich texture and sweetness, you can use other sturdy breads like French bread or sourdough. Just make sure the bread isn’t too dense or overly fresh, as slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream. The texture might be slightly different, but the casserole will still be delicious with a warm cinnamon-apple twist.
How do I make this recipe ahead for guests?
Prepare the casserole fully up to the resting step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, just pop it straight into the oven without letting it sit at room temperature. This makes hosting stress-free and your morning relaxed.
Can I add nuts or other fruits to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries mix in beautifully for added crunch and flavor variety. Feel free to experiment with pears or peaches in place of apples for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?
The brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter topping creates a caramelized crust, but for extra crispness, you can broil the casserole for the last couple of minutes—just watch closely to prevent burning. Using a light coating of butter or cooking spray on the dish edges helps those crispy bits develop nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a special weekend brunch or a holiday breakfast spread, it’s simple enough to prepare and impressive enough to savor. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how just a few humble ingredients transform into such a delightfully cozy and flavorful morning treat.
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a warm and comforting breakfast dish featuring tender brioche or challah bread soaked in a rich custard infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Layered with diced apples and topped with a cinnamon brown sugar butter crumble, it’s baked until golden and perfect for family gatherings or cozy mornings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah (about 16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Bread and Apples: Spread the cubed brioche or challah evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the peeled, cored, and diced apples over the bread cubes to distribute them uniformly.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until the custard mixture is smooth and completely blended.
- Soak Bread with Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes so they absorb the liquid well, ensuring a moist casserole.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is combined, then sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole surface.
- Rest the Casserole: Let the casserole sit uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to soak. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor and better custard absorption.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, indicating it is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- For best texture and flavor, refrigerate overnight after assembling before baking.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet custard.
- Whole milk and heavy cream give a rich, creamy custard; you can substitute with lower-fat options but flavor may be less rich.
- Ensure bread cubes are 1-inch size for optimal custard absorption and even baking.
- Serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit for an extra special breakfast or brunch treat.
