Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish perfect for leisurely weekend mornings or holiday brunches. Made with cubed brioche or challah bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices, then topped with a cinnamon-brown sugar buttery topping and baked until golden, this casserole combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with cozy cinnamon and nutmeg notes. Easy to prepare ahead and bake, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Base 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
Custard Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Bread and Apples: Evenly distribute the cubed brioche or challah in the prepared baking dish. Spread the diced apples over the top of the bread cubes to create an even layer.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak Bread with Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they absorb the custard liquid thoroughly.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the packed light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until combined. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar topping evenly across the surface of the casserole.
- Rest Casserole: Allow the assembled casserole to sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes to let the bread absorb the custard. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate it overnight for deeper flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. It is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set without any liquidiness.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly after baking. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm, optionally with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the casserole to soak overnight in the refrigerator to let the bread absorb all the custard mixture fully.
- You can substitute the apples with pears or add nuts like pecans for extra texture.
- Using brioche or challah bread adds richness and a soft texture; avoid dense or whole grain breads for best results.
- Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
- To make it gluten free, use gluten-free bread alternatives.
