Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

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Warm, comforting, and bursting with cozy flavors, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is the perfect dish for slow weekends, holiday mornings, or when you’re craving something special. With soft bread cubes soaked in a spiced custard and baked to golden perfection, each bite is a delightful mix of crisp edges and melt-in-your-mouth softness, all tied together with tender apple chunks and a cinnamon-sugar topping.

Whether you’re serving a brunch crowd or preparing breakfast for the week, this casserole is an effortless make-ahead option that looks impressive on the table and tastes even better. Drizzle it with maple syrup or caramel sauce, and you have a breakfast bake that feels indulgent, yet incredibly simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

This dish delivers the cozy vibes of fall in every forkful, but it’s welcome year-round thanks to its familiar flavors and easy prep. It’s great for feeding a group, reheats like a dream, and uses basic ingredients you likely already have. Plus, the combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon is simply irresistible.

Whether you’re planning a brunch party or need a new go-to for your meal prep rotation, this casserole will become a staple you’ll keep coming back to.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

The ideal bread for French toast casserole is one that holds up well to soaking without turning mushy. Brioche, challah, or day-old French bread are all excellent choices. These types of bread absorb the cinnamon-vanilla custard beautifully while retaining enough structure to bake into a casserole that’s soft but not soggy.

If you’re using fresh bread, consider toasting the cubes lightly before assembling. It helps create that ideal texture contrast between the crisp top and custardy center.

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Ingredients for the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole plays an essential role in building flavor and texture. Here’s a look at what you’ll need:

• Brioche or Challah Bread – Rich and slightly sweet, these breads soak up the custard without falling apart.
• Eggs – The base of your custard, helping bind the casserole together.
• Whole Milk – Adds creaminess and helps balance the richness of the eggs.
• Heavy Cream – Makes the custard extra lush and velvety.
• Brown Sugar – Provides caramel-like sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the warm, cozy notes.
• Ground Cinnamon – A key player for that nostalgic, spiced flavor.
• Nutmeg (optional) – Just a pinch adds a warm complexity.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness.
• Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Offer tartness and texture to contrast the soft custard.
• Butter – Helps create a golden top and adds richness.

How To Make the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base

Cut your brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in a greased baking dish. Lightly toast them in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes if your bread is fresh.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Add Apples and Combine

Peel and chop your apples into small chunks, then fold them into the custard. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, pressing down slightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.

Step 4: Chill and Soak

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. This gives the bread time to fully absorb the custard.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Dot the top with small pieces of butter and sprinkle with a little extra brown sugar and cinnamon. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

This cozy casserole feeds about 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for a family breakfast or small gathering. Serve it warm straight from the oven with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for balance.

To store, let the casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave until warmed through.

What to Serve With Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole?

Fresh Fruit Salad

A refreshing mix of berries, melon, and citrus cuts through the richness of the casserole.

Scrambled Eggs

Add some protein to your plate with fluffy, seasoned scrambled eggs.

Crispy Bacon or Sausage

Savory sides like bacon or sausage balance out the sweet flavor of the casserole beautifully.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

Top a small bowl of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and some nuts for a creamy and crunchy pairing.

Maple Glazed Ham

A sweet-savory glazed ham slices perfectly with the apple-cinnamon notes of the dish.

Hot Coffee or Chai Tea

Warm beverages like coffee or a spiced chai make the whole experience extra cozy.

Orange or Apple Juice

For a simple, refreshing drink that complements the fruit flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole the night before?
Yes! In fact, letting it sit overnight in the fridge helps the bread soak up the custard more thoroughly, making it even more flavorful and tender when baked.

2. What type of apples should I use?
Granny Smith apples are great for tartness and structure, while Honeycrisp offers a sweeter option with good texture. You can mix both for a nice balance.

3. Can I use non-dairy milk and cream?
Absolutely. You can substitute almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for the dairy. Use full-fat canned coconut milk in place of heavy cream for the best richness.

4. How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
Make sure you’re using slightly stale or toasted bread, and avoid adding too much liquid. Baking uncovered also helps it form a crisp, golden top.

5. Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or golden raisins are great additions and bring extra texture and flavor to the dish.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with Granny Smith or try something sweeter? Did you drizzle with maple syrup or caramel?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Find more daily recipe ideas on my Pinterest: Life With Livia Recipes

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is that magical combination of cozy, sweet, and satisfying. It’s ideal for busy mornings when you want a homemade touch without a lot of work. With make-ahead flexibility, family-friendly flavor, and endless pairing options, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation.

Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch or just spicing up your weekend, you’ll love how easy and rewarding this dish is to make.

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