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Make-Ahead Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

A close-up of a moist slice of Apple Cinnamon French Toast with a caramelized, browned top.
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Prepare this comforting apple cinnamon french toast casserole the night before for an easy, delicious brunch the next morning. It uses brioche bread for the best texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (13-16 oz) brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for topping)
  • Caramel sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  3. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to soak up the liquid.
  4. Arrange the sliced apples over the top of the bread mixture.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap. If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.
  7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and the center is set (no liquid remains when poked).
  8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Brioche bread works best because its high fat content keeps the toast moist during the overnight soak and baking process.
  • For a richer topping, mix 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small pieces), and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to create a simple streusel topping to sprinkle on before baking.
  • You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition

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