Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a breakfast dish that combines the comforting flavors of fall with the ease of a one-pan meal, this Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole is your answer. With tender slices of French bread, warm spices, and juicy apples, this dish is perfect for a cozy morning or a festive brunch gathering.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole

French bread forms the sturdy base, soaking up the custard mixture beautifully. Eggs provide structure and richness, while whole milk and heavy cream add a creamy depth. The granulated sugar sweetens the deal, offset by the warm notes of vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Diced apples bring a fresh, juicy element, and chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch. Melted butter and brown sugar create a caramel-like topping, and a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use day-old bread for the best texture; fresh bread can become too mushy.
  • To save time in the morning, assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
  • Try using a mix of apple varieties for a balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole shines when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Pair it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage to add a savory contrast, or a fresh fruit salad for a lighter touch. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate each serving to perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, brioche or challah would work wonderfully for a richer flavor.
What if I don't have pecans?
Walnuts or almonds make a great substitute, or you can omit nuts entirely.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the whole milk and cream, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your casserole won't stick and makes for easy cleanup. Arrange the sliced French bread in the dish, slightly overlapping the slices to cover the whole surface.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined, with no streaks of egg or sugar remaining. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is nicely saturated. It’s this soaking action that turns plain bread into a luscious French toast.

Next, sprinkle the diced apples and chopped pecans evenly over the top. This ensures each bite has a bit of fruit and a touch of crunch. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar until it’s smooth, then drizzle it all over the casserole. This layer will bake into a lovely, crispy topping.

Cover the dish with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a center that’s set but still a bit jiggly. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to make sure each piece holds its shape.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple prep for a crowd-pleasing result
  • A perfect blend of sweet apples and crunchy pecans
  • Make-ahead convenience for stress-free mornings
  • Rich, creamy texture with a delightful crispy top

Ingredients

8 cups sliced French bread
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups diced apples
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
Pinch of salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the sliced French bread in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is saturated.
5. Evenly distribute the diced apples and chopped pecans over the top of the bread mixture.
6. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar, then drizzle over the casserole.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
8. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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