Soft, Sweet, and Comforting Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole

A cinnamon apple French toast casserole is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. It brings together soft bread, sweet apples, and cozy spices in a way that fills the whole kitchen with comfort. Instead of cooking French toast piece by piece, everything bakes together in one dish while the bread soaks up a rich custard of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. The apples soften as they bake and add gentle sweetness to every bite. This casserole is simple to prepare, flexible enough for any occasion, and perfect for busy mornings or relaxed weekends. Whether you prepare it ahead or bake it fresh, it always turns out soft, sweet, and comforting. If you enjoy warm spices and tender apples, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

For the Casserole

• 8 cups cubed brioche or French bread
• 3 medium apples peeled and chopped
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 half cup granulated sugar
• 1 quarter cup brown sugar packed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 half teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Topping

• 1 quarter cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cold butter cut into small cubes

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Bread and Apples

Cube the bread and place it in your dish. Add the peeled and chopped apples on top. They will soften and blend into the custard as they bake.

Make the Custard Mixture

Whisk the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and slightly frothy. This custard gives the casserole its soft and creamy texture.

Combine the Custard with the Bread

Pour the custard over the bread and apples, then gently press the mixture down so it absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for about ten minutes to soak up the flavors and ensure an even, tender bake.

Prepare the Cinnamon Topping

Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it over the casserole. Add the cold butter cubes on top. As it bakes, the butter melts into the cinnamon sugar and creates a sweet golden crust that adds flavor and texture.

Bake the Casserole

Preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the casserole for forty five to fifty minutes until the top is golden and the center is set but still soft with tender apples throughout.

Cool and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about ten minutes. This allows it to set and makes serving easier. Enjoy it warm for the best soft and comforting cinnamon apple flavor in every bite.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This recipe is very easy to customize. Add extra spices like ginger, allspice, or cardamom for a stronger autumn flavor. For more sweetness, drizzle maple syrup on top or mix a little more brown sugar into the custard. If you want crunch, add pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds. You can also mix in raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity touch. Make it richer by using more heavy cream or make it lighter with half and half or all whole milk. You can also swap the brioche for sourdough or challah. The best part is that you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it in the morning for an easy and comforting breakfast.

Nutritional Information

The following values are estimates based on one serving when the casserole is divided into ten portions. Each serving contains approximately three hundred fifty calories with around fourteen grams of total fat and seven grams of saturated fat. There are about forty seven grams of carbohydrates and twenty five grams of sugar along with seven grams of protein. These values may vary slightly depending on the type of bread and apples used but they provide a helpful guideline.

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon apple French toast casserole is delicious on its own, but simple additions make it even better. Serve it warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit like berries or bananas. For a richer touch, add whipped cream or vanilla yogurt. If you want a dessert style twist, top it with vanilla ice cream. It also pairs perfectly with hot coffee, tea, or any warm spiced drink and fits beautifully on any brunch table.

Frequently Asked Questions