Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole: A Deliciously Easy Breakfast Recipe

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any breakfast table. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your home, inviting everyone to gather around for a delicious meal. This recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds; it also carries a sense of nostalgia, often reminding us of cozy family gatherings and holiday mornings spent together.

People love this dish for its perfect balance of flavors and textures—the soft, custardy bread combined with tender, caramelized apples creates a heavenly experience. Plus, the convenience of preparing it ahead of time makes it a favorite for busy mornings or special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole that will impress your family and friends, making it a staple in your breakfast repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably brioche or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the apple mixture)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar (for serving, optional)
• Maple syrup (for serving, optional)

Preparing the Bread Base

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread. I like to use day-old bread because it absorbs the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy.
3. Set the bread aside while you prepare the custard mixture. This will allow it to dry out a bit, which is perfect for our casserole.

Making the Custard Mixture

1. In another large bowl, crack the 4 large eggs and whisk them until they are well beaten.
2. Add the 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream to the eggs. This combination gives the casserole a rich and creamy texture.
3. Next, stir in the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.

Combining Bread and Custard

1. Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread. Gently fold the bread into the custard, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated. I like to use a spatula for this to avoid breaking the bread too much.
2. Once the bread is fully coated, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up the custard, making it extra delicious.

Preparing the Apple Mixture

1. While the bread is soaking, let’s prepare the apples. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated with the sugar and cinnamon.
2. Drizzle the 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter over the apple mixture and stir again. This will add a lovely richness to the apples as they bake.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Now it’s time to assemble the casserole! Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Spread half of the soaked bread mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Next, layer the apple mixture over the bread. Make sure to distribute the apples evenly for a balanced flavor in every bite.
4. Finally, top the apple layer with the remaining bread mixture, spreading it out evenly. Press down gently to ensure everything is compact.

Baking the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help the casserole cook evenly without browning too quickly.
2. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game. The combination of warm, spiced apples and fluffy, custardy bread creates a delightful dish that is perfect for family gatherings, brunch with friends, or even a cozy Sunday morning at home. The best part? It can be prepared the night before, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free morning while still impressing your loved ones with a delicious homemade meal. For serving suggestions, consider drizzling a bit of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for some crunch or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the apples for pears or berries, or even adding a layer of cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture. I encourage you to give this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole a try and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you come up with. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, and I’m sure your friends and family will be asking for seconds. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole: A Deliciously Easy Breakfast Recipe

   ---

   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 70 minutes
   • Yield: 8 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   Description

   Indulge in this delightful Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Casserole, featuring a rich custard-soaked bread combined with sweet, spiced apples. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends!

   ---

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably brioche or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes
   • 4 large eggs
   • 2 cups whole milk
   • 1 cup heavy cream
   • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
   • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
   • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
   • 1/4 teaspoon salt
   • 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
   • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
   • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the apple mixture)
   • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
   • Powdered sugar (for serving, optional)
   • Maple syrup (for serving, optional)

   ---

   Instructions

   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and set aside.
   3. In another large bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
   4. Add the whole milk and heavy cream to the eggs, then stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
   5. Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread and gently fold to coat. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
   6. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Toss to coat, then drizzle with melted butter and stir.
   7. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the soaked bread mixture in the bottom, layer with the apple mixture, then top with the remaining bread mixture. Press down gently.
   8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and set.
   9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup if desired.

   Notes

   • This casserole can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it in the morning for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
   • Feel free to substitute the apples with other fruits like berries or pears for a different flavor profile.

   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes