Description
Start your morning with this cozy and comforting Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, the perfect choice for a quick breakfast, easy holiday brunch, or a make-ahead family meal. This baked dish features buttery brioche soaked in a warm spiced custard, loaded with fresh apples, and baked until golden and crispy on top. Whether you’re craving weekend breakfast ideas or need a crowd-pleasing brunch option, this easy recipe hits the mark for flavor, texture, and simplicity.
Ingredients
6 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed
6 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tablespoons butter, diced
1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
Instructions
1. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and spread in a greased baking dish. Toast at 300°F for 10–15 minutes if using fresh bread.
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
3. Stir in chopped apples and pour the custard mixture over the bread. Gently press to soak.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Dot the top with butter and sprinkle with extra brown sugar.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden and set in the center.
7. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optional: drizzle with maple syrup or caramel.
Notes
Use day-old or toasted bread for the best texture.
Mix sweet and tart apples for a flavor boost.
Let it sit overnight for maximum custard absorption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: french toast casserole, apple cinnamon, breakfast ideas, easy brunch recipe