Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound loaf of French bread or Brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Sauté the Apples In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and coated in a bubbling caramel sauce. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Prepare the Bread Place the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the cooked apple mixture over the bread, ensuring the apples and caramel sauce are distributed throughout the cubes.
- Step 4: Whisk the Custard In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined and frothy.
- Step 5: Combine and Soak Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure every piece is submerged and starts soaking up the liquid.
- Step 6: Bake the Casserole Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Rest and Serve Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the custard set completely and makes it easier to serve.