Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this Apple Raisin French Toast Casserole, a delightful make-ahead breakfast that's perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches. Featuring layers of soft, day-old French or brioche bread, tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples, and sweet bursts of raisins, this dish is soaked in a creamy custard mixture enhanced with vanilla, nutmeg, and brown sugar for a rich and aromatic result. Baked to golden perfection with a buttery topping, this casserole boasts a fluffy interior with a satisfyingly crisp crust. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this easy-to-make breakfast bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or meal prep.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
Cut the day-old bread slices into 1-inch cubes and spread half of them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Layer the diced apples and raisins over the bread cubes, then add the remaining bread cubes on top to create layers.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the mixture.
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole for added richness.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Optional: Dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and serve with maple syrup on the side.
Calories |
4612 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 184.6 g | 237% | |
| Saturated Fat | 99.2 g | 496% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1657 mg | 552% | |
| Sodium | 4321 mg | 188% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 634.7 g | 231% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.7 g | 92% | |
| Total Sugars | 317.3 g | ||
| Protein | 117.7 g | 235% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.5 mcg | 58% | |
| Calcium | 1180 mg | 91% | |
| Iron | 22.3 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 2798 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.