Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

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I have a deep love for breakfast recipes that feel like a warm hug, and this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole checks every box. It’s cozy, slightly indulgent, and perfect for chilly mornings when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This casserole brings together the soft richness of baked custard-soaked bread with tender apples, cinnamon spice, and just the right amount of sweetness.

What I really enjoy about this dish is how it feels like a mix of dessert and breakfast in one bite. The crusty golden top contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy inside, and every forkful has pockets of apple and hints of brown sugar. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just a lazy Sunday, this is one of those recipes that never disappoints.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

This casserole is all about comfort and ease. It can be prepped the night before, making it perfect for hosting or simply saving time in the morning. The combination of crisp apples, cinnamon spice, and fluffy baked bread gives it that perfect balance of texture and flavor. Plus, it’s crowd-friendly, easily scalable, and reheats like a dream. You also don’t need any fancy ingredients—everything in it is likely already in your pantry or fridge.

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What Kind of Bread Works Best for Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole?

For the best texture, I recommend using a sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread. These types soak up the egg mixture without getting soggy and hold their shape well during baking. If the bread is slightly stale or day-old, even better—it soaks up the custard more effectively and gives a lovely chewy-soft bite.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is pretty flexible if you need to tweak it:

• Apples: Swap with pears or use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more complexity.
• Milk: Use almond, oat, or any dairy-free milk if needed.
• Sugar: You can reduce the sugar or use maple syrup or honey instead.
• Spices: Add a touch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
• Bread: Gluten-free bread works too, just make sure it’s dense and not too airy.

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Ingredients for this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

• Brioche or Challah Bread: These rich, slightly sweet breads soak up the custard perfectly while holding their structure during baking.
• Eggs: The foundation of the custard. They bind everything together and create a creamy texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the custard; whole milk or a mix of milk and cream works best.
• Brown Sugar: For sweetness and depth of flavor, plus it caramelizes slightly while baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the custard.
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that classic cinnamon-apple pairing.
• Nutmeg (optional): A pinch goes a long way in adding cozy spice.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Provide tartness and texture contrast; peel and dice them for even baking.
• Butter: Used to sauté the apples and for greasing the baking dish.
• Maple Syrup (optional): Adds an extra layer of sweetness and a traditional breakfast feel.

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Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cube your brioche or challah bread into 1-inch pieces. If it’s fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them lightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to dry them out a bit. This helps them absorb the custard better without getting soggy.

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Step 2: Sauté the Apples

In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add peeled, diced apples. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar for caramelization, then remove from heat.

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Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt until fully combined.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Layer half of the cubed bread in the dish, sprinkle in half of the sautéed apples, then repeat with remaining bread and apples. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the entire dish, gently pressing down the bread to help it soak up the liquid.

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Step 5: Soak and Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and improves the final texture.

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Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven preheats. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through.

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Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent.

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How Long to Prepare the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Prep Time: Most of the hands-on prep takes about 20–25 minutes. That includes cubing the bread, cooking the apples, whisking the custard, and assembling everything in the baking dish. If you’re toasting the bread to dry it out, add another 10 minutes.

Rest & Bake Time: While resting time is optional, refrigerating the casserole for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) yields a better result. Baking takes 45–50 minutes. Altogether, if you’re making it fresh in the morning, plan for just under 90 minutes. If prepared the night before, morning prep is minimal—just bake and serve.

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Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

• Use slightly stale bread to prevent sogginess and help it absorb the custard.
• Let the custard fully soak in by pressing the bread gently into the liquid.
• Don’t skip sautéing the apples—it adds flavor and helps them soften during baking.
• Cover the dish loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.
• For extra richness, replace part of the milk with heavy cream.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using very fresh bread: It won’t hold up well and can turn mushy.
• Overbaking: This can lead to a dry texture. Check at the 45-minute mark.
• Uneven layering: Distribute apples and bread evenly so every bite gets flavor.
• Skipping rest time: The custard needs time to soak in; rushing this may lead to uneven texture.
• Too much sugar: Balance is key, especially if adding maple syrup on top.

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What to Serve With Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole?

1. Crispy Bacon

Salty and savory, it pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the casserole.

2. Greek Yogurt with Honey

A cool, tangy contrast to the warm and rich casserole.

3. Fresh Berries

Adds brightness and freshness to the plate.

4. Scrambled Eggs

For a protein boost and a balance to the sweetness.

5. Spiced Chai or Coffee

The warm spices in your drink will complement the cinnamon in the casserole.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered in the baking dish. It will last up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.

Freezer: You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble everything and wrap tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing after baking, cool completely, wrap in foil or airtight container, and freeze up to 2 months.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~310
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it fresh in the morning.

What are the best apples to use?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use almond or oat milk and a plant-based butter. It will still be rich and flavorful.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, both before and after baking. Make sure to wrap it tightly and allow it to thaw before baking or reheating.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The center should be set and not jiggle when shaken. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

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Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is everything I love in a breakfast: comforting, full of warm spices, easy to prepare, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a cozy brunch, this dish never fails to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it turns any morning into something memorable.

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