Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

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Golden, crispy on the edges, soft and custardy in the center—this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is everything you want in a cozy, oven-baked breakfast. Imagine cubes of buttery brioche or challah soaked in a rich egg custard, layered with tender chunks of caramelized apples, then baked until beautifully puffed and golden. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to stay in your pajamas just a little longer.

Perfect for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or meal prepping your weekday mornings, this casserole captures the nostalgic warmth of apple pie and the comfort of classic French toast in one dish. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

• Effortless but impressive: Just layer and bake—no need to stand by the stove flipping slices.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before, then bake fresh in the morning.
• Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for feeding family or guests, especially around the holidays.
• Cozy flavors: Apple and cinnamon create that warm, fall-inspired comfort everyone loves.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Here’s what you need to get started and why it matters:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The right size to hold all the ingredients evenly and ensure proper baking.
• Mixing Bowls: For whisking the custard and tossing the apples with sugar and spices.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing eggs and milk smoothly.
• Spatula or Large Spoon: Helps with folding ingredients gently and evenly.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Needed for dicing the apples and cubing the bread.
• Foil: Optional but useful to cover the casserole mid-bake to prevent over-browning.

Each tool plays a small but crucial role in making the preparation smoother and the final texture just right.

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Preparation Tips

For the best results, use day-old bread or slightly dried-out bread—this allows the custard to soak in without making the dish soggy. Apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a nice tart balance to the sweetness. When combining the custard, whisk until no egg streaks remain for even soaking. If making ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Always let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

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Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

• 1 loaf (about 14–16 oz) of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing the dish and dotting the top)
• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, chopped nuts

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Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Apples

Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and let them sit out to dry for a few hours or overnight. While that’s happening (or just before baking if you’re short on time), peel and dice the apples into bite-sized chunks. Set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

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Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Add half of the bread cubes, then layer half the diced apples on top. Pour half of the custard mixture evenly over this first layer. Repeat with the remaining bread and apples, then pour the remaining custard mixture on top. Lightly press down with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.

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Step 4: Chill (Optional for Make-Ahead)

If you want to prep ahead, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak up the custard.

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Step 5: Bake

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Dot the top with small bits of butter. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.

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Step 6: Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. For added crunch, sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts.

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Notes

You can easily customize this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole by using different types of bread such as French bread or sourdough, though brioche or challah will yield the richest results. If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of sugar or skip the powdered sugar topping. To boost flavor, add a splash of apple cider to the custard or mix in a handful of raisins, cranberries, or chopped pecans.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using fresh bread: Fresh bread doesn’t absorb the custard properly and can result in a soggy texture.
• Not letting it rest before baking: This step helps the flavors meld and ensures the bread is fully soaked.
• Skipping the butter on top: Those little bits of butter help brown and crisp the top for a beautiful finish.
• Overbaking: If overcooked, the casserole can become dry. Check for doneness around the 45-minute mark.
• Uneven layering: Spread the apples and bread evenly so every bite has balanced flavor.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the whole dish in a 325°F oven until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugars: 18g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fiber: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes! It’s perfect for prepping ahead. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweet, crisp texture.

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Absolutely, just ensure it’s slightly stale or toasted first.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Can I substitute milk alternatives?

Yes, almond milk or oat milk can be used, though the texture may be slightly different.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should no longer be jiggly. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

What’s the best bread to use?

Brioche and challah are best for richness, but French bread or sourdough work too.

How do I reheat it?

Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes.

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Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the warmth of the holidays and the ease of make-ahead meals into one pan. Whether you’re hosting brunch, feeding a family on a chilly morning, or simply craving a treat, this dish is a guaranteed winner. With its sweet apple-cinnamon flavors and custardy bread base, it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite you’ll revisit time and again.

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