Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole wafting through your home on a lazy Sunday morning. This dish is more than just breakfast; it’s a comforting treat that warms both the heart and the belly. It’s the perfect blend of fluffy brioche or challah, tender baked apples, and a harmonious blend of spices that create a delightful morning experience for you and your family. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to a leisurely breakfast, this recipe will surely become a beloved favorite.
One of the best things about this casserole is its simplicity. Unlike traditional French toast, which requires cooking each slice individually, this casserole allows you to feed a crowd without extensive preparation. Just mix your ingredients, layer them in a baking dish, and let the oven do the work. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile — the combination of juicy apples and warm spices makes it a standout, but it also leaves room for experimentation with different fruits or toppings according to your taste. Enjoy it warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a drizzle of maple syrup for an indulgent treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole isn’t just all about flavor; it’s also about convenience and flexibility. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this delightful dish:
- Easy to Prepare: Just cut, whisk, and bake! Minimal effort for maximum reward.
- Feed a Crowd: Perfect for gatherings, this casserole yields 8 generous servings.
- Customizable: Mix it up with your favorite fruits, breads, or spices.
- Make Ahead: Prep it the night before for a stress-free morning.
- Delicious Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it great for breakfast all week.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into creating your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen for success. Gather the following tools and equipment:
- A 9×13-inch baking dish: This is the perfect size for our casserole.
- A mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl is ideal for whisking together the egg and milk mixture.
- A whisk: This handy tool will ensure your custard mixture is well-blended.
- A knife and cutting board: For chopping your apples into bite-sized pieces.
- A measuring cup and spoons: These will help you accurately measure your ingredients.
When everything is ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your casserole begins to cook evenly the moment it goes into the oven. Don’t forget to lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to make serving and cleaning up a breeze!
Ingredients
For this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following 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
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming, use a small amount of unsalted butter or nonstick spray to lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent your casserole from sticking and make for easy serving.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Apples
Once your baking dish is prepared, take the bread you’ve cubed and arrange it evenly across the bottom. The bread serves as the base of the casserole and will soak up all those delicious custard flavors. Afterward, distribute the diced apples evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring every bite will be packed with fruity goodness.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, gather your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Using a whisk, mix these ingredients thoroughly until they’re well blended. This custard mixture will permeate the bread and apples as they bake, creating that classic French toast flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Soak
Now it’s time to pour your freshly whisked custard evenly over the layered bread and apples. To ensure the bread absorbs the mixture well, gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula. This step is essential for achieving that custardy texture that makes this casserole so irresistible. Let this mixture sit for at least 15 to 30 minutes for the flavors to meld before baking. If you have the time, you can cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight to really enhance the flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Pour the melted butter over this mixture and stir until it’s evenly combined. This topping will create a delicious sweet crust as it bakes on top of the casserole. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole before placing it in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Your casserole is ready for the oven! Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is a lovely golden brown and the center is set. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center, which should come out clean. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous with your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, here are some delicious variations to consider:
- Protein: Add cooked sausage or bacon for a heartier meal.
- Vegetables: Incorporate chopped spinach or cooked sweet potatoes for a savory twist.
- Spices: Mix in some pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- For best results, allow the casserole to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to enhance the texture.
- To make the dish even sweeter, consider adding raisins or cranberries with the apples.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a touch of sweetness.
- Pair with warm maple syrup or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.
Tips
- For a burst of flavor, try using different apple varieties or even pears!
- If you’re short on time, you can skip refrigerating overnight, but the flavors will be richer if you do.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
- Protein: 10 grams
- Sodium: 300 mg
FAQs
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, letting it sit in the fridge overnight enhances the flavors significantly. Just cover it tightly after assembling and bake it the next morning.
Can I use different types of bread?
Yes! While brioche and challah add a rich flavor and texture, you can use any bread you prefer, such as sourdough or whole wheat.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
Conclusion
Your journey to a delightful breakfast or brunch experience begins with this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. It’s a dish that combines the simplicity of preparation with the fullness of flavor, making it a fantastic choice for both everyday mornings and special occasions. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your friends or family, inviting them to join in on the deliciousness. So go ahead, try it out, get creative with your variations, and bring a piece of warmth to your table. Happy cooking!
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Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole isn’t just all about flavor; it’s also about convenience and flexibility.
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
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming, use a small amount of unsalted butter or nonstick spray to lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent your casserole from sticking and make for easy serving.
- Once your baking dish is prepared, take the bread you’ve cubed and arrange it evenly across the bottom. The bread serves as the base of the casserole and will soak up all those delicious custard flavors. Afterward, distribute the diced apples evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring every bite will be packed with fruity goodness.
- In a large mixing bowl, gather your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Using a whisk, mix these ingredients thoroughly until they’re well blended. This custard mixture will permeate the bread and apples as they bake, creating that classic French toast flavor.
- Now it’s time to pour your freshly whisked custard evenly over the layered bread and apples. To ensure the bread absorbs the mixture well, gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula. This step is essential for achieving that custardy texture that makes this casserole so irresistible. Let this mixture sit for at least 15 to 30 minutes for the flavors to meld before baking. If you have the time, you can cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight to really enhance the flavors.
- In a separate small bowl, combine light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Pour the melted butter over this mixture and stir until it’s evenly combined. This topping will create a delicious sweet crust as it bakes on top of the casserole. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole before placing it in the oven.
- Your casserole is ready for the oven! Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is a lovely golden brown and the center is set. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center, which should come out clean. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For best results, allow the casserole to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to enhance the texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 10 grams