If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with something cozy, comforting, and irresistibly delicious, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is the ultimate winner. Imagine layers of soft, buttery brioche soaked in a rich cinnamon-spiced custard, studded with tender, sweet apple pieces, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of warm maple syrup. It’s like all the best parts of breakfast rolled into one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create an incredible balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that makes this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe so unforgettable. Each element plays an essential role—from the fluffy brioche to the warming spices and the juiciness of fresh apples.
- 6 large eggs: The backbone of the custard, adding richness and structure.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and helps soak the bread perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided: Infuses a deep, molasses-like flavor and helps caramelize the topping.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the custard with a mellow, aromatic warmth.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice—bringing that cozy, comforting flavor we all love.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity without overpowering.
- 1 loaf (14 oz) brioche bread, cubed: The soft, buttery bread base that soaks up all the custard beautifully.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: Fresh sweetness and texture that brighten the casserole.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: A finishing touch to help the casserole brown perfectly.
- Powdered sugar, for topping: Adds a pretty, sweet dusting that makes every bite special.
- Maple syrup, for serving: The classic drizzle that pulls all the flavors together.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Apples
Start by cutting your brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes and letting them dry out a bit at room temperature—this helps the bread soak up the custard without turning mushy. Meanwhile, peel and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces to ensure every bite has a fresh, juicy burst of flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, half the brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This rich custard base gracefully melds the spices and sweetness, setting the tone for the whole casserole.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy release and start layering: half of the bread cubes, half of the diced apples, and a quarter cup of brown sugar. Then repeat the layers with the remaining bread, apples, and brown sugar. This layering creates pockets of sweetness and texture throughout the dish.
Step 4: Add Custard and Butter
Pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and apples, pressing gently to help the bread soak it all in. Drizzle the melted butter on top to enrich the casserole and encourage a beautifully golden crust.
Step 5: Refrigerate to Soak
Cover your dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This soaking period is key—it allows the bread to absorb all the spiced custard flavors deeply, creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes to set the custard, then uncover and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and slightly caramelized. The smell coming from your oven will have everyone eager to dive in.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Let your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe cool for 5 to 10 minutes before dusting generously with powdered sugar and drizzling with warm maple syrup. This final flourish adds a perfect touch of sweetness and visual appeal that turns every bite into a celebration.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans on top to add crunch and warmth. Fresh apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream can transform the dish into an even more luxurious treat, bringing out the autumnal vibes brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad for a light contrast or crispy bacon for a savory balance. A steaming cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte will complement the spices perfectly for a complete, cozy brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming look, or turn the leftovers into decadent French toast sticks by toasting them gently on a griddle. You could even add dollops of cream cheese frosting for a dessert-inspired twist on the classic Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack during busy mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze portions in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that lovely custard texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to revive the crispness on top, or microwave individual servings for about 1 minute for a quick, cozy fix. A light drizzle of warm syrup after reheating always lifts the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery texture, you can substitute challah or even thick-cut white bread. Just make sure the bread isn’t too fresh or soft, so it can soak up the custard well without becoming overly soggy.
How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?
You can assemble this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe up to 24 hours ahead, letting it soak in the refrigerator. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead brunch option for busy mornings or entertaining.
What kind of apples work best?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape nicely during baking and offer a pleasant tartness that balances sweet spices and sugar perfectly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the brioche with a gluten-free bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the custard. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still get that warm, comforting apple and cinnamon flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
With some adjustments, yes. Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, replace eggs with a vegan custard substitute or silken tofu blend, and use vegan butter. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious and comforting.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough to prepare but impressively delicious every time you serve it. Whether for a holiday brunch or a leisurely weekend breakfast, this recipe invites you into a cozy moment filled with sweet apples, cinnamon, and buttery brioche. Trust me—once you try it, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus at least 2 hours refrigeration
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a warm and comforting breakfast treat perfect for a weekend brunch or holiday morning. Cubed brioche bread and diced apples are soaked in a rich custard infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, this casserole is both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Base
- 1 loaf (14 oz) brioche bread, cubed
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for topping
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Bread and Apples: Cube the brioche loaf into 1-inch pieces and leave them out to dry slightly to help absorb the custard better. Peel and dice the apples into medium-sized pieces.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the bread cubes in the dish, then half of the diced apples and sprinkle 1/4 cup brown sugar evenly over the layer. Repeat with the remaining bread, apples, and brown sugar to create a second layer.
- Pour Custard and Add Butter: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples, gently pressing down to ensure the bread absorbs the custard. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
- Refrigerate: Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak thoroughly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness and flavor.
Notes
- For best texture, allow the brioche bread to dry out slightly before soaking in the custard.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked in the morning for convenience.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to the layers for extra texture and flavor.
