There’s something magical about waking up to the scent of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through the house. This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole combines the sweetness of caramelized apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the comforting richness of French toast into one irresistible breakfast dish. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or just want to make an ordinary morning special, this casserole is worth every bite!

What makes this recipe so perfect? It’s a make-ahead wonder! You can prep it the night before, allowing the bread to soak up all that custardy goodness. Then, just pop it in the oven the next morning, and voilà—breakfast is served! Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, so it’s ideal for holidays, lazy weekends, or any time you need something that feels a little extra special.

The Story Behind Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole

I first made this recipe one chilly autumn morning when I had a surplus of apples from a recent trip to an orchard. The house was already buzzing with the excitement of the season, and I wanted to create something that felt warm and indulgent. French toast is always a favorite, but standing over the stove flipping slices just wasn’t appealing that day. That’s when the idea of turning it into a casserole hit me.

This dish draws inspiration from classic baked French toast but takes it up a notch with layers of spiced apples and a crumbly cinnamon topping. It’s like if French toast and apple pie decided to have a breakfast baby. Over the years, it’s become a family tradition for Christmas morning and fall gatherings, but honestly, it’s great any time of year.

What I love most is how versatile it is. You can tweak it to match the season or your pantry staples. Plus, the combination of textures—the soft, custardy bread with the crunch of the topping—is just divine. And don’t even get me started on how amazing it smells while baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole are simple and likely things you already have in your kitchen. Here’s what makes this dish shine:

Bread: Brioche or challah works best for that rich, buttery flavor. Day-old bread or slightly stale bread is ideal since it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.
Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite. Peel and dice them into small, even pieces for even cooking.
Eggs: These are the backbone of the custard, creating that creamy, baked texture.
Milk and cream: A mix of milk and heavy cream gives the custard its luxurious richness. You can use just milk for a lighter version.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices add that classic warm flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
Brown sugar: This is used both in the apple mixture and the topping for a caramel-like sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible crumb topping.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla ties all the flavors together.

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t worry. You can easily substitute regular sandwich bread for brioche, or use non-dairy milk if needed. For a nutty twist, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.

Equipment Needed

9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for holding all the layers of bread and custard.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few for prepping the custard, apples, and topping.
Whisk: For combining the custard ingredients smoothly.
Saucepan: To cook the apple mixture until it’s perfectly tender.
Knife and cutting board: For chopping the apples and bread.

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch dish, you can use two smaller pans or even a deep cake pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole

Prepare the bread: Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the apples: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook until the apples are slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Spread the cooked apples evenly over the bread cubes.
Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples, pressing down gently to ensure everything is soaked.
Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of cold butter (cut into small cubes). Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this over the casserole.
Chill it: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the bread soak up the custard.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or even whipped cream for extra indulgence!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are a few tips to help you nail this recipe every time:

Use slightly stale bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy.
Don’t skip the chilling step—it ensures the custard is fully absorbed.
If the top starts browning too quickly while baking, cover it loosely with foil.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cardamom or cloves to the custard.
Make sure to grease your baking dish well to avoid sticking.

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole is how easy it is to customize:

Gluten-free: Swap the bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf.
Dairy-free: Use almond milk or oat milk and a plant-based butter alternative.
Nuts: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the topping for a crunchy twist.
Seasonal fruits: Try pears, peaches, or even berries instead of apples.
Spices: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice or a touch of ginger for a seasonal twist.

I once made this with cranberries and orange zest during the holidays—it was a hit!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice for the ultimate breakfast experience. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top or drizzle it with maple syrup for an extra treat.

Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm the entire dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. It also freezes well—just wrap it tightly and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While this dish is definitely indulgent, it has some redeeming qualities:

Apples: Packed with fiber and antioxidants.
Eggs: A great source of protein and essential vitamins.
Spices: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate blood sugar.

Each serving of this casserole (without toppings) has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It’s a treat, but one that’s totally worth it!

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food breakfast. It’s sweet, spiced, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a special brunch, or just because, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and toppings—it’s a forgiving dish that’s hard to mess up. If you do make it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below or share your photos on social media and tag me. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.

What type of bread works best?

Brioche and challah are my top choices for their richness, but any sturdy bread will do.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I substitute for apples?

Pears, peaches, or even berries are great alternatives. Just adjust the sugar based on their sweetness.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Use day-old bread and chill the casserole before baking to ensure the custard is fully absorbed.

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe for Easy Breakfast