The Big Apple French Toast Casserole
Transform your mornings with "The Big Apple French Toast Casserole," a soul-warming, make-ahead breakfast that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and rich custard-soaked challah or brioche bread. This irresistible casserole layers tender caramelized apples with a luscious vanilla-infused custard, baked to golden perfection with a soft, pillowy center and a subtly crisp topping. Ready in just over an hour, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for holidays, brunch parties, or lazy weekend mornings. Garnish with powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup for a stunning finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With simple prep and a divine payoff, this apple-themed twist on classic French toast will elevate your breakfast game. Keywords: French toast casserole, apple French toast, baked apple casserole recipe, easy brunch recipes, holiday breakfast ideas.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 slices Challah bread (or brioche)
- 6 pieces Large eggs
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 4 cups Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and sliced)
- 0.25 cup Maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Cut the challah or brioche bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir to coat. Let the bread soak for 10-15 minutes.
While the bread soaks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the sliced apples and cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly and release their juices.
Stir the maple syrup into the apples and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
Transfer the soaked bread mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the caramelized apples and their syrup over the top, ensuring even distribution.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed and golden brown on top.
Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with extra maple syrup on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4658 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 199.5 g | 256% | |
| Saturated Fat | 100.4 g | 502% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1719 mg | 573% | |
| Sodium | 2652 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 639.1 g | 232% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.1 g | 122% | |
| Total Sugars | 405.7 g | ||
| Protein | 103.0 g | 206% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.4 mcg | 57% | |
| Calcium | 1223 mg | 94% | |
| Iron | 21.9 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 2636 mg | 56% | |
*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.
