This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole combines soft, custardy bread with tender cinnamon-spiced apples in one warm and comforting breakfast. It’s an easy way to enjoy classic French toast without standing over the stove cooking individual slices.
Prepare everything in one baking dish, let the bread absorb the creamy cinnamon custard, and bake until the top is beautifully golden. It’s perfect for relaxed weekend breakfasts, brunch, holidays, or mornings when you’re feeding several people.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
- Easy to prepare: Everything is assembled in one baking dish.
- Perfect for brunch: One casserole makes several generous servings.
- Warm apple-cinnamon flavor: Tender apples and cinnamon make every bite cozy and delicious.
- Great for preparing ahead: Assemble it the night before and bake it the next morning.
- Easy to customize: Add nuts, berries, or your favorite toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brioche or challah bread
- Apples
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Unsalted butter
- Salt
How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
1. Prepare the Bread
Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes. Slightly stale bread works particularly well because it absorbs the custard without becoming overly soft.
2. Cook the Cinnamon Apples
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook briefly until the apples begin to soften and become coated in the cinnamon mixture.
3. Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Arrange half of the bread cubes in a lightly greased baking dish. Spoon some of the cinnamon apples over the bread, then add the remaining bread and apples.
5. Add the Custard
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the casserole, making sure the bread is evenly moistened. Gently press the bread into the custard without compacting it too firmly.
6. Let It Rest
Allow the casserole to rest so the bread can absorb the custard. For a make-ahead breakfast, cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight.
7. Bake Until Golden
Bake until the center is set and the top is puffed and golden brown. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole
- Use sturdy bread such as brioche or challah for the best texture.
- Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard particularly well.
- Cut the bread into similar-sized cubes so the casserole cooks evenly.
- Give the bread enough time to absorb the custard before baking.
- Don’t overbake—the inside should remain soft and custardy while the top becomes golden.
What Apples Work Best?
Firm apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Braeburn work well because they hold their shape during cooking.
You can also combine a tart apple with a sweeter variety for a more balanced flavor.
Can You Prepare It the Night Before?
Yes. This casserole is especially convenient as an overnight breakfast. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
The next morning, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake according to the recipe.
Serving Ideas
Serve the casserole warm with maple syrup, fresh apple slices, berries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
For a special weekend brunch, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or whipped cream alongside each serving.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 3–4 days for the best quality.
Reheat individual portions until thoroughly warm before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular sandwich bread?
Yes, although a sturdy enriched bread such as brioche or challah generally creates a richer texture and holds up better after absorbing the custard.
Do I have to refrigerate it overnight?
No. You can let the assembled casserole rest for about 30 minutes before baking. Refrigerating it overnight is simply a convenient make-ahead option.
Should I peel the apples?
Peeling creates a softer apple texture, but leaving the peel on is also an option if you prefer additional texture.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The center should be set rather than liquid, while the top should appear puffed and golden brown.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole brings together tender cinnamon apples, soft custardy bread, and a golden baked top in one easy breakfast. Prepare it the same morning or assemble it the night before for an effortless weekend brunch.
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Cook the apples for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Remove from the heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, 1/3 cup brown sugar, vanilla, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, and salt.
- Arrange half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cinnamon apples.
- Add the remaining bread and apples.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down so it can absorb the liquid.
- Allow the casserole to rest for about 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for approximately 40–45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving with maple syrup or powdered sugar if desired.
