Description
This Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole is a cozy make-ahead breakfast featuring tender caramelized apples, rich custard-soaked bread, and warm cinnamon flavor. It’s the perfect fall breakfast casserole for family brunch, holidays, or lazy weekends. This recipe is easy to bake and irresistibly indulgent.
Ingredients
12 slices challah or brioche bread (day-old, cubed)
6 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup brown sugar (divided)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
3 apples (peeled and sliced, preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add sliced apples. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in ½ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook until bubbly and thickened. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, remaining ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the bread cubes, then layer half the caramel apple mixture. Repeat with remaining bread and apples.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Gently press down the bread with a spatula to help it soak.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover and bake for 45–50 minutes or until golden brown and the center is set.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
Notes
This is best when prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
Use firm apples to avoid sogginess—soft varieties will break down too much.
For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 145mg