Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Your Mornings Eleveated with a Spiced, Make-Ahead Casserole!

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole roots in traditional French toast, adding warm, spiced apples and a crunchy streusel topping. Ideal for holidays, brunches, or family breakfasts, it’s a make-ahead treat that transforms the breakfast table.

Delicious Baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole – A Delicious, Make-Ahead Holiday Breakfast

DifficultyMedium

Servings6-8

Prep time20 minutes

Cook time45 minutes

Total time1 hour5 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf of brioche bread, (about 10-12 slices, cubed)
• 2 medium apples, (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Garnishes:

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Fresh whipped cream

Instructions:

• 1

  Prepare the Casserole:
  

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  • Place the cubed brioche bread into the baking dish in an even layer.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt until well combined.
  • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to make sure the bread soaks up the liquid.
  • Top with diced apples, spreading them evenly across the top.
• 2

  Make the Streusel Topping:
  

  • In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  • Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
• 3

  Bake the Casserole:
  

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• 4

  Serve:
  

  • Serve warm, garnished with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh whipped cream if desired.

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter or your fingers for the streusel topping
• Knife
• Cutting board

Recipe Notes and Variations:

Substitutions:

• Use challah bread or sourdough for a different flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a nutty topping, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based milk and butter.

Pro Tips:

• For an overnight version, prepare the casserole up to step 3, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
• Be sure to press down the bread cubes into the egg mixture to ensure they soak up all the flavors, giving you a soft, custardy texture.
• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, as they hold their shape during baking without turning mushy.

FAQs:

 Can I make this French toast casserole ahead of time?

• Yes! This is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it the next morning.

Can I freeze leftovers?

• Yes, you can freeze any leftovers. Simply wrap portions in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• To freeze, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes from frozen.

Nutrition

Calories	360
Carbohydrates	53g
Cholesterol	65mg
Fat	15g
Fiber	4g
Protein	7g
Saturated Fat	7g
Sodium	230mg
Sugar	22g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	7g

History, Evolution, and Inspiration

The apple cinnamon French toast casserole has roots in the comforting, family-friendly tradition of French toast. This make-ahead casserole takes all the delicious elements of classic French toast — soft, custardy bread soaked in egg and milk, then baked to golden perfection — and adds a cozy twist with warm, spiced apples and a crunchy streusel topping. It’s the perfect way to elevate your breakfast table for special occasions like holidays, brunch, or a casual family breakfast.

The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe

The magic of this dish lies in the combination of textures and flavors. The brioche bread soaks up the custard mixture and becomes soft and pillowy as it bakes, while the apples offer a burst of sweetness and spice. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, creating a perfect contrast to the soft casserole beneath.

Interesting Things About the Recipe

This French toast casserole can be prepared the night before, making it ideal for busy mornings. Simply assemble the casserole, refrigerate overnight, and pop it in the oven when you wake up — a stress-free way to start the day. It’s also versatile enough to adjust to different flavor profiles by changing the fruit or spices.

Overview of the Parts of the Recipe

This baked French toast casserole consists of:

• Brioche bread, which creates a soft, custard-like texture
• Apples, adding a touch of sweetness and spice
• A streusel topping, bringing the perfect amount of crunch
• A cinnamon-vanilla custard base, binding it all together with a creamy texture

What Occasions It’s Good For

This casserole is perfect for:

• Holiday breakfasts or brunch
• Family gatherings
• Special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort
• Weekend breakfasts

Why It’s the Perfect Recipe

This dish strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and warmth, with the apples and cinnamon providing comforting fall flavors. It’s easy to make, can be prepped in advance, and serves a crowd, making it the ideal dish for a family breakfast or holiday brunch.