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Make-Ahead Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

A thick slice of Apple Cinnamon French Toast topped with caramelized apples and syrup.
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Prepare this overnight apple cinnamon French toast bake for an easy, comforting brunch. It uses brioche bread and features a warm apple topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 slices brioche bread or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter, for greasing
  • For the Apple Topping:
  • 2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup water
  • For Garnish (Optional):
  • Caramel sauce
  • Pecan streusel topping

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. Arrange half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the dish. Top with the remaining bread cubes, then pour the rest of the egg mixture over the top layer. Press the bread down gently to soak up the liquid.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  5. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Remove the plastic wrap.
  6. Prepare the apple topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and water.
  7. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples soften slightly and the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  8. Spoon the warm apple topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture in the baking dish.
  9. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with streusel topping if desired.

Notes

  • Using brioche or thick-cut French bread provides the best texture for this make ahead brunch bake.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/2 cup of the milk with heavy cream.
  • If you prefer individual slices instead of a casserole, prepare this recipe in a cast iron skillet, cooking in batches on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/apple-cinnamon-french-toast-bake/