Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole recipe is a cozy breakfast favorite made with custard-soaked bread, tart green apples, and warm cinnamon spice. Perfect for brunch or holiday mornings, it’s a make-ahead crowd-pleaser that’s easy to reheat and incredibly delicious. Ideal for fall brunch recipes, baked breakfast casseroles, and holiday breakfast ideas.
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
Instructions
1. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl. If it’s too fresh, toast it at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry slightly.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour custard over the bread cubes and gently stir to coat. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to fully soak.
4. Fold in the diced green apples.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the bread mixture evenly and dot with butter on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with powdered sugar or syrup if desired.
Notes
Toast the bread if it’s too soft — dry bread absorbs the custard better and prevents a soggy texture.
Let the casserole rest after baking for cleaner slices and better texture.
For added flavor, mix chopped pecans or drizzle caramel sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 145mg