Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole isn’t just all about flavor; it’s also about convenience and flexibility.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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