Indulgent Delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
This Delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a comforting breakfast perfect for chilly mornings, combining fluffy bread, spiced custard, and tart apples.
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 300kcal
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 6 cups day-old brioche or challah bread Key for structure and absorbs custard well; stale is best.
- 5 large eggs Provides richness and structure to the custard base.
- 1 cup whole milk Adds creaminess; swap for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- 1 cup heavy cream Ensures a rich flavor; can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter touch.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Gives sweetness and adds depth; adjust based on the tartness of your apples.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Enhances flavor; consider almond extract for a different twist.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Infuses warmth and spice; increase for a stronger cinnamon punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Complements cinnamon beautifully for that cozy autumn vibe.
- 2 green apples peeled and diced Tartness balances the sweetness; Granny Smiths hold up well.
- 2 tablespoons butter Greases the baking dish and adds flavor during baking.
Optional Toppings
- maple syrup Drizzle over the finished dish for a sweet touch.
- powdered sugar Dust lightly for an elegant finish.
- whipped cream Adds a delightful creaminess when serving.
Instructions
How to Make Delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
- Cut your day-old brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If the bread feels too fresh, let it air dry on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes to help it absorb the custard better without getting soggy.
- In a large bowl, whisk thoroughly together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until it’s all smooth and well combined.
- Peel and dice your two green apples, then toss them in a bowl with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish with the butter. Begin layering by placing half of the bread cubes on the bottom, followed by half of the diced apples. Repeat this with the remaining bread and apples for a beautiful, hearty casserole.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples. Press down gently with your hands to help the bread absorb the custard. Let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for more flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To start, cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, uncover it and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes once it’s out of the oven. Serve warm and drizzled with maple syrup, or dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Notes
Letting the casserole sit overnight allows the flavors to meld and enhances the custard's richness. It's worth the wait! Serve warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.