If you are looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender brioche bread soaked in a spiced custard, layered with sweet, tender apples, and baked to golden perfection, this casserole delivers a perfect balance of cinnamon warmth and juicy fruit freshness. It is comforting, elegant, and joyful to make, perfect for leisurely weekend mornings or festive brunch gatherings where everyone will keep asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering the irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and a juicy bite, cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy aromatics, and brioche bread provides that rich, buttery base that holds it all together beautifully.
- 6 large eggs: The foundation for the custard, binding everything with a creamy richness.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds smoothness to the custard and ensures a tender bread soak.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard without overpowering the spice.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided: Imparts a lovely caramel flavor and helps create a sweet, crunchy topping layer.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the depth and rounds out the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Brings that signature warm, comforting spice essential to this recipe.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of earthiness to elevate the flavor profile.
- 1 loaf (14 oz) brioche bread, cubed: A luxuriously soft bread that soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: Provide bursts of juicy freshness and a tender texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Creates a golden, buttery crust on top.
- Powdered sugar, for topping: For a pretty, sweet dusting that adds a bit of flair before serving.
- Maple syrup, for serving: The perfect natural sweetener and syrupy drizzle to finish the dish.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Apples
Start by cutting your brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes. Let these cubes sit out a bit to dry slightly; this helps them soak up the custard better without becoming mushy. Meanwhile, peel and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they will distribute evenly and maintain a lovely texture throughout the casserole.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, half of the brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This flavorful custard mixture is what brings everything together, infusing the bread and apples with a luscious, spiced creaminess that tastes like pure comfort in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep your casserole from sticking. Begin layering half of the cubed bread across the bottom, sprinkle half the apples evenly over the bread, and then add a quarter cup of brown sugar on top. Repeat this layering with the remainder of your bread cubes, apples, and brown sugar to ensure every bite has a perfect balance of sweetness and fruit.
Step 4: Pour the Custard and Add Butter
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples, then press gently on the bread with the back of a spoon to help it soak up all that delicious liquid. Drizzle melted butter over the top to encourage a beautifully golden and slightly crisp crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Chill Before Baking
Cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, which means your casserole will bake up moist and custardy rather than dry or uneven.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes to gently cook through without drying out, then remove the cover and bake uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and irresistibly inviting.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This rest helps it set so it slices cleanly. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and generously drizzle with maple syrup for that signature finishing touch that makes this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances the visual appeal and adds a delicate sweetness at first bite. You can also top with a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for some crunch and nutty contrast to the casserole’s softness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. A hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea also complements the warm cinnamon flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a pretty presentation. You could also accompany your slices with a small bowl of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on the side, adding a creamy and tangy layer that elevates every forkful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for leftover breakfasts or even quick after-school snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and wrapping it tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with baking directions for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in a microwave for about 60 to 90 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy edges while warming the custardy center without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While brioche is preferred for its buttery softness, challah or thick-cut white bread can work well too. Just make sure the bread isn’t too dense and can soak up the custard nicely.
How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight or for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy mornings or special occasions.
Can I add other fruits besides apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries. Keep in mind that juicier fruits may release more liquid, so adjust baking time accordingly to avoid a soggy casserole.
Is it necessary to cover the casserole during baking?
Covering the casserole for the first part of baking helps prevent the top from drying out and ensures the custard cooks evenly. Removing the cover at the end gives you that beautiful golden crust that makes the dish special.
What can I use instead of maple syrup for serving?
If you want a change, honey, caramel sauce, or fruit compote also make delicious toppings that complement the cinnamon and apple flavors nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is a timeless delight that brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of elegance to your breakfast or brunch table. Give it a try and enjoy the smiles as your friends and family fall in love with every comforting bite. Trust me, once you make it, this casserole will be a beloved favorite you’ll want to return to again and again.
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast bake featuring cinnamon-spiced custard soaked brioche bread cubes layered with fresh apples. The casserole is baked until golden and tender, then topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup for a sweet and cozy start to your day.
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf (14 oz) brioche bread, cubed
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for topping
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Bread and Apples: Cut the brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes and let it sit out to dry slightly, which helps it absorb the custard better. Peel and dice the apples into medium-sized pieces.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of the brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the brioche cubes evenly on the bottom, then scatter half of the diced apples on top. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of brown sugar evenly over the apples. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread cubes, apples, and the last 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
- Soak Casserole: Pour the prepared custard over the layered bread and apples, gently pressing down to ensure the bread soaks up the custard mixture. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top layer.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes after baking. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top for a sweet finish.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old brioche or allow fresh bread cubes to dry out slightly before assembling.
- Apples can be substituted with pears or peaches for a different fruit variation.
- Covering the casserole while baking helps keep moisture in and prevents the top from browning too quickly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute whole milk with a plant-based milk and butter with a vegan alternative.
