Go Back
- 8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread - 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced) - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup caramel sauce - Chopped pecans or walnuts for topping To create the perfect Caramel Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, gather these key ingredients. Start with 8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread. Using day-old bread is important. It soaks up the custard mix well without getting too soggy. Next, you need 3 medium apples. Peel, core, and dice them for great texture. You’ll also use 4 large eggs. These give the casserole its rich, custardy base. For creaminess, add 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. This mix makes every bite delightful. For sweetness, use 1/2 cup of brown sugar. It adds a deep, rich flavor. You’ll need 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the taste. Ground cinnamon is a must, so add 1 teaspoon. It gives that warm spice we love in French toast. A pinch of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of salt rounds out the flavors nicely. Finally, make it special with optional ingredients. Drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the top. It adds a sweet and sticky finish. You can also sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy topping. Each ingredient plays a role in this tasty dish. With these items, you’re on your way to a delicious breakfast treat that everyone will love. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. - Place cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. - In a medium skillet, sauté diced apples with half of the brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon until tender, about 5-7 minutes. - In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, remaining brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. - Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to soak each piece. - Sprinkle the sautéed apples on top and drizzle with caramel sauce. - For best results, chill the casserole for at least 30 minutes before baking. - Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the middle. - Use day-old brioche for the best soak. - Challah is a great second choice. - You can also use other bread types like sourdough. - Soak the bread for at least 30 minutes. - If you soak too long, the bread may turn soggy. - Press down gently to help the bread absorb the egg mix. - Top with whipped cream for a creamy finish. - Greek yogurt adds a nice tang. - Try adding fresh fruit or nuts for extra crunch. {{image_2}} You can change the fruits in this dish. Try using pears for a sweet twist. Berries can add a burst of flavor, too. For spice lovers, add ginger or cardamom. These spices give a warm kick that pairs well with apples. Mix and match until you find your favorite blend! If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Many brands make tasty bread that works well here. For vegan diets, swap eggs with flaxseed or chia seeds. Use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. You can also use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. These swaps make this dish fit for everyone! Think about how you want to serve this treat. You can bake it in a big dish or use individual ramekins. Ramekins make for pretty servings at brunch. You can also switch up the time of day. Serve this as a sweet breakfast or a dessert. It fits both roles perfectly! To keep your caramel apple cinnamon French toast casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil for extra protection. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely first. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep the texture nice. You can also use the microwave, but it may make it a bit soggy. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips for prepping in advance: - Prepare the casserole the night before. - Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. - Bake it in the morning for a fresh breakfast. Use sweet and tart apples for great flavor. Here are some good suggestions: - Granny Smith for tartness. - Honeycrisp for sweetness. - Fuji for balance. Yes, you can use non-dairy ingredients. Here are some options: - Almond milk or oat milk as milk substitutes. - Coconut cream in place of heavy cream. - Flax eggs or chia seeds can replace eggs. You can adjust the sugar levels easily. Here’s how: - Add more brown sugar for sweetness. - Reduce the brown sugar for less sweetness. - Use maple syrup as an alternative sweetener. This blog post covered how to make a delicious apple bread pudding casserole. We discussed the main ingredients, like brioche and apples, and how to prepare them. You learned step-by-step instructions, plus tips for texture and serving. We explored variations, storage options, and answered common questions about the recipe. In conclusion, this dish is easy to customize and perfect for any meal. Enjoy sharing this tasty treat with family and friends!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Indulge in the heavenly flavors of Caramel Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch! This delightful dish combines soft brioche, sweet apples, rich caramel, and warm spices for a cozy treat. Discover how easy it is to whip up this comfort food favorite that will impress your guests and family alike. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your mornings deliciously memorable!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

4 large eggs

2 cups milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

    Prepare the Bread: Place the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.

      Cook the Apples: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the diced apples, half of the brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a tablespoon of butter. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

        Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, remaining brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

          Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. Sprinkle the sautéed apples over the top. Drizzle with caramel sauce, reserving some for serving.

            Chill (Optional): For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. If you’re short on time, you can bake it immediately.

              Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

                Serve: Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with remaining caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8