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Easy Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

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A cozy, make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard with tender apple chunks, perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed brioche or challah bread (about 12 ounces/340 grams), day-old or slightly stale
  • 2 medium tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups/300 grams), tossed in 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) whole milk or half-and-half (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • ⅓ cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or maple syrup for serving

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and dice 2 medium tart apples into roughly ½-inch pieces (about 2 cups/300 grams). Toss with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and set aside.
  2. Cube about 8 cups (12 ounces/340 grams) of brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. Place cubes into a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs (room temperature), 2 ½ cups (600 ml) whole milk or half-and-half, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon fine sea salt until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently fold in the diced apples, coating all pieces evenly without breaking the bread.
  5. Let the mixture rest for at least 10 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  7. Transfer the soaked custard, bread, and apples evenly into the baking dish, pressing lightly to pack it in.
  8. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and drizzle over the top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  10. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Notes

Use brioche or challah bread for best texture. Soaking overnight in the fridge yields a custardy, tender casserole. Use lemon juice on apples to prevent browning. If casserole is too wet after baking, bake a few extra minutes uncovered. Let refrigerated casserole rest at room temperature 15 minutes before baking. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon, french toast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, brunch, easy breakfast, cinnamon, brioche, challah

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/easy-apple-cinnamon-french-toast-casserole-recipe-perfect-for-make-ahead-breakfasts/