Name: Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups cubed day-old brioche or French bread; 6 large eggs; 1 ½ cups whole milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 medium green apples, peeled and diced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for greasing and dotting; Powdered sugar, optional for garnish; Maple syrup, optional for serving

Golden-crusted, warm, and bubbling with sweet cinnamon apples, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is everything you love about cozy breakfasts packed into one irresistible dish. The tender cubes of bread soak up a rich egg custard and bake to a soft, pillowy interior with a perfectly crisp top. Paired with hints of vanilla and buttery notes, the chunks of tart green apple add a refreshing contrast to each bite.

Whether you’re making a laid-back weekend brunch or preparing a holiday morning treat, this casserole is a go-to crowd-pleaser. It can be prepped the night before for a fuss-free bake the next morning. It’s indulgent, comforting, and fills your kitchen with the kind of aroma that draws everyone straight to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

This recipe brings together the best of fall flavors and classic comfort. It’s perfect for serving a group, makes your home smell like a bakery, and lets you use up day-old bread in the most delicious way. Even better? It’s adaptable. You can add chopped pecans for crunch, use brioche or challah for extra richness, or drizzle maple syrup or caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Make-ahead friendly
Kid-approved and adult-adored
Satisfying texture: creamy inside, crispy on top
Ideal for holidays, brunches, or cozy weekend mornings

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, a few tools make all the difference:

Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for whisking the egg custard and ensuring even distribution of spices.
Whisk: Helps blend the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla thoroughly.
Serrated Bread Knife: Makes clean cuts through crusty bread without squishing it.
9×13 Baking Dish: The right size for even baking and golden edges.
Aluminum Foil: Essential for covering the casserole during the first half of baking to prevent over-browning.
Non-stick Spray or Butter: Prepares your dish to avoid sticking and adds buttery flavor.

Having these tools ready before you start allows for smoother preparation and better results. With just a bit of planning, you’ll have a casserole that looks bakery-worthy and tastes like a warm hug.

Ingredients for the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Each ingredient in this cozy breakfast dish brings depth and texture:

Day-Old Bread (preferably Brioche or French Bread): The base of the casserole; absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.
Eggs: Bind everything together and create a creamy custard.
Whole Milk: Gives richness and moisture to the egg mixture.
Heavy Cream: Adds extra indulgence and a velvety texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard base.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Boosts the overall aroma and warmth.
Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the classic spice flavor you crave in fall dishes.
Nutmeg (optional): A pinch gives a deeper spice warmth.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Green Apples (like Granny Smith): Adds a tart, fresh bite that contrasts the sweet base.
Unsalted Butter: Used for greasing and a buttery finish.

How To Make the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Cut the day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large mixing bowl and set aside. If the bread isn’t dry, you can toast it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to firm it up.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the custard over the bread cubes. Gently fold the mixture so every cube gets soaked. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid fully.

Step 4: Prepare the Apples

Peel and dice the green apples into small chunks. Fold them into the soaked bread mixture for a balanced tart flavor throughout.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the bread-apple mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Dot a few pieces of butter on top for a golden finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for an extra special touch.

Serving and Storing Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

This casserole is best served warm, right out of the oven when the top is golden and the aroma of cinnamon fills the kitchen. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming finish, and you can drizzle warm maple syrup, vanilla glaze, or even a spoonful of whipped cream on top for added indulgence. For brunch spreads, pair with crispy bacon or fresh berries to balance the sweetness.

Got leftovers? They store beautifully. Simply let the casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or pop the whole dish back in the oven (covered) at 325°F until heated through.

For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?

You can prep it the night before! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bring it to room temperature while the oven preheats.

Can I use other types of bread?

Absolutely! Brioche and challah work beautifully, but you can also try sourdough or even croissants for a buttery twist.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but if you like a bit of bite and color, feel free to leave the peels on.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy milk and cream with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use all milk or a mix of milk and half-and-half. The casserole will be slightly less rich, but still flavorful.

Is it possible to make this less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar to your preference or skip the powdered sugar topping and extra syrup.

Want More Breakfast & Brunch Ideas?

If you’re loving this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, you’re in for a treat with these other comforting breakfast and brunch favorites:

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: A Heavenly Fusion of Two Classics for a decadent twist on two beloved treats.
Amish Applesauce Cake brings rich spice flavor and moist texture to your dessert table.
Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread for a nutty, buttery bite that’s perfect for cozy mornings.
Simple Fluffy Blueberry Muffin Recipe when you’re craving something fruity and quick.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake if you want simple prep with show-stopping flavor.

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add pecans? Swap the apples? I love hearing your twists and suggestions—we’re all in this cozy kitchen together.