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Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole 1

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

This make-ahead Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole combines the comforting flavors of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and custardy bread for a show-stopping breakfast with minimal morning effort. Perfect for everything from lazy weekends to holiday celebrations!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Pastry Cutter

Ingredients
  

Casserole Base

  • 16 oz day-old bread French bread or brioche work beautifully
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk almond or oat milk for dairy-free
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup honey or agave nectar work well too
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Apple Layer

  • 4 medium apples Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn recommended
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter coconut oil for dairy-free
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar coconut sugar is a good alternative
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Crumb Topping

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour almond flour for gluten-free
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed plant-based butter for dairy-free
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Instructions
 

  • Cube the day-old bread into approximately 1-inch pieces. If using fresh bread, toast the cubes in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until slightly dried out. Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until frothy. Add the milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until completely uniform.
  • Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch cubes. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are just tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  • Pour about half of the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are moistened. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the bread. Pour the remaining custard over the apples. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.
  • Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven preheats. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture.
  • Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
  • Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Notes

Using day-old bread is crucial as it prevents sogginess. The casserole must chill for at least 2 hours to allow the bread to properly absorb the custard mixture.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
For a healthier version, try whole grain bread, reduce the maple syrup by using unsweetened applesauce, and substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 8gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 285mgFiber: 4gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg
Keyword French Toast, Apple Cinnamon, Breakfast Casserole, Make Ahead Breakfast, Holiday Breakfast
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