Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole: A Comforting Breakfast Favorite

 If you're looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast recipe that's as easy to prepare as it is delicious, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is your answer! With soft, custardy bread, warm cinnamon-spiced apples, and a perfectly crisp topping, this dish brings all the best flavors of fall to your breakfast table. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or simply treating your family to a special morning meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Wonder – Perfect for busy mornings, you can prepare this casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
• Warm and Comforting – The combination of apple and cinnamon is a classic that feels like a big, warm hug.
• Great for a Crowd – It’s easy to make in a large pan, and everyone loves a good French toast casserole.
• Customizable – Easily tweak the recipe with your favorite bread, toppings, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole:

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf of French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups whole milk (or your favorite milk alternative)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Optional Garnishes:

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Cut your French bread or brioche into 1-inch cubes, then spread them evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Add the Apples

Scatter the diced apples evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the top, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Lightly press down the bread with a spatula to ensure everything is well-coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best texture.

Step 4: Make the Topping

While the casserole chills, prepare the topping. Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Add the cold butter cubes, then use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a crumbly texture. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the surface. Bake, uncovered, for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish lightly with foil after 30 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top it off with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve warm and enjoy every bite of this comforting breakfast delight!

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

1. Choose the Right Bread: Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming overly mushy. French bread, brioche, or challah are all excellent options.
2. Customize the Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for an extra crunch.
3. Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the milk and heavy cream for almond milk or oat milk, and use plant-based butter in the topping.
4. Add Extra Spice: Love the spice? Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for even deeper flavors.

Why It’s the Perfect Make-Ahead Dish

Hosting a brunch? This casserole saves you time and energy in the morning. Simply prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake it when you're ready to serve. No rushing around the kitchen—just an unforgettable homemade breakfast waiting to be enjoyed!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is the ultimate way to kick off a cozy morning with family or friends. Its warm, spiced apple flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture will have everyone coming back for seconds—or even thirds! And with the convenience of prepping ahead, it's a stress-free way to elevate your breakfast game.

Try it out for your next brunch or holiday gathering and experience pure comfort in every bite. Don’t forget to tag us with your creations—#AppleCinnamonCasserole. Happy cooking!