Imagine waking up on a cozy weekend morning to the inviting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your home. This French Toast Casserole with apples is the perfect centerpiece for a delightful brunch, combining the comforting flavors of classic French toast with the sweet and spiced notes of baked apples. It’s an easy, make-ahead dish that allows you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
Table of Contents french toast casserole apple
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of baked apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen. This French Toast Casserole with Apples is the epitome of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for your next brunch gathering. Here’s why this recipe will become a favorite in your household:
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the casserole the night before, allowing the bread to soak up the rich custard. In the morning, simply pop it into the oven for a stress-free, delicious breakfast.
Crowd-Pleaser: The harmonious blend of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and soft, custardy bread creates a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Versatility: Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking for a special weekend treat, this casserole fits the bill. Plus, it’s easy to adapt with your favorite types of bread or additional mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits.
Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein from eggs and the natural goodness of apples, this dish offers a balanced meal that keeps you energized throughout the morning.
Ingredients french toast casserole apple
Bread: Approximately 12-14 cups of cubed French bread. Using day-old or slightly stale bread works best, as it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.
Apples: One large apple, thinly sliced. Opt for varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji, which hold up well during baking and provide a pleasant tartness.
Eggs: Eight large eggs. They form the base of the custard, binding the casserole together and adding richness.
Milk: Two cups of milk. Whole milk is preferred for a creamier texture, but 2% or dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk can also be used.
Vanilla Extract: Two teaspoons for a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Ground Cinnamon: One teaspoon to infuse the dish with a cozy, spiced note that pairs perfectly with apples.
Brown Sugar: Two-thirds cup to add sweetness and depth to the custard mixture.
For the irresistible streusel topping:
Brown Sugar: One-quarter cup for sweetness and a slight molasses flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: One-quarter cup to provide structure to the streusel.
Ground Cinnamon: Half a teaspoon to echo the warm flavors in the casserole.
Unsalted Butter: Two tablespoons, melted, to bring the streusel together and create a crumbly texture.
How to Make french toast casserole apple
1. Prepare the Bread and Apples
Bread: Cut a loaf of day-old French bread into 1-inch cubes. Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the custard mixture more effectively, preventing a soggy texture.
Apples: Peel, core, and dice 3 medium-sized apples into small pieces. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work well due to their firm texture and balanced sweetness.
2. Assemble the Casserole
Layering: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish, followed by a layer of half the diced apples. Repeat with the remaining bread and apples to create a layered effect.
3. Prepare the Custard Mixture:
Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Combining: Ensure the mixture is well-blended and smooth, with the sugars fully dissolved and the cinnamon evenly distributed.
4. Combine and Soak
Pouring: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and apples, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
Soaking: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a rich and cohesive texture.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping
Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Add 1/4 cup of cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces.
Mixing: Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate the streusel until ready to use.
6. Bake the Casserole
Preheating: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Adding Streusel: Uncover the casserole and evenly sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the surface.
Baking: Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your texture preference. For a softer, bread pudding-like consistency, aim for the shorter baking time; for a firmer texture, bake longer. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes.
7. Serve
Cooling: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes to set.
Serving Suggestions: Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. Complement with pure maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of fresh fruit for added indulgence.
Cooking Tips
Preparing a delightful French Toast Casserole with Apples is both an art and a science. To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
Selecting the Right Bread
Opt for Sturdy, Slightly Stale Bread: Breads like challah, brioche, or French bread are ideal due to their firm texture, which absorbs the custard without becoming mushy. Using day-old bread enhances this quality.
Enhancing Flavor and Texture
Incorporate a Streusel Topping: A mixture of brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter crumbled over the top adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Add Nuts or Dried Fruits: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries can introduce additional texture and flavor complexity to the casserole.
Recap Recipe french toast casserole apple
Recipe Details: french toast casserole apple
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: Approximately 230 kcal
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Total Fat: 8.3g
Saturated Fat: 4.3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 99.6mg
Sodium: 230.1mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32.2g
Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
Total Sugars: 17.2g
Protein: 9.4g
Please note that nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Recipe Categories:
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Method: Baking
Keywords: French Toast Casserole, Apple Breakfast Bake, Make-Ahead Brunch Recipe
Skill Level: Beginner
french toast casserole apple
Ingredients
Bread: Approximately 12-14 cups of cubed French bread. Using day-old or slightly stale bread works best, as it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.
- Apples: One large apple thinly sliced. Opt for varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji, which hold up well during baking and provide a pleasant tartness.
- Eggs: Eight large eggs. They form the base of the custard binding the casserole together and adding richness.
- Milk: Two cups of milk. Whole milk is preferred for a creamier texture but 2% or dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk can also be used.
- Vanilla Extract: Two teaspoons for a warm aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Ground Cinnamon: One teaspoon to infuse the dish with a cozy spiced note that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Brown Sugar: Two-thirds cup to add sweetness and depth to the custard mixture.
- For the irresistible streusel topping:
- Brown Sugar: One-quarter cup for sweetness and a slight molasses flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: One-quarter cup to provide structure to the streusel.
- Ground Cinnamon: Half a teaspoon to echo the warm flavors in the casserole.
- Unsalted Butter: Two tablespoons melted, to bring the streusel together and create a crumbly texture.
Conclusion
Incorporating this French Toast Casserole with Apples into your breakfast or brunch repertoire offers a delightful blend of convenience and indulgence. Its make-ahead nature simplifies morning preparations, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely meal with family and friends. The harmonious combination of tender bread, spiced apples, and a crisp streusel topping creates a comforting dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, this casserole brings warmth and joy to your table
FAQ french toast casserole apple
What types of apples are best for this recipe?
Firm and crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are excellent choices. They maintain their texture during baking and provide a balanced sweetness and tartness to the dish.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely. While French bread is traditional, other options like challah, brioche, or sourdough work well. Using slightly stale bread helps prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy, as it absorbs the custard more effectively.