Name: Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-490152H59M43S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf brioche or French bread, cubed; 3 apples, sliced or cubed; 6 eggs; 2 cups milk; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup brown sugar; 3 tbsp cold butter; ½ tsp cinnamon

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If you’re on the hunt for a comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug, then look no further than this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe. Imagine slices of tender brioche soaked in a custard rich with cinnamon and vanilla, layered generously with fresh apples, and crowned with a golden, buttery streusel topping that adds just the right amount of sweet crunch. It’s like apple pie and cinnamon toast had a delicious baby, perfect for cozy fall mornings or an inviting holiday brunch. This dish is as delightful to eat as it is beautiful on the table, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas from the first bite to the last.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat layout of baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface; on the right side, there is a large clear glass bowl filled with roughly cut white bread pieces with golden crust; near the top right is a jar filled with light brown sugar; above the bread bowl is a clear pitcher with milk; to the left of the milk, there is a white container holding six brown eggs; near the top left lies a small spice bottle labeled cinnamon with brown powder inside; to the left of it is a large glass jar with white flour; near the bottom left corner, there is a small clear bowl with two pieces of yellow butter; next to the butter is a clear measuring cup filled with milk; near the bottom left corner of the flour sits a small bottle of dark vanilla extract. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is wonderfully simple, with ingredients that are easy to find and come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each item plays a key role — from the soft, rich bread that forms the base to the fragrant cinnamon and fresh apples that bring warmth and brightness.

Brioche or French bread, 1 loaf, cubed: The perfect soft yet sturdy bread to soak up the custard without turning mushy.
Apples, 3 sliced or cubed: Adds natural sweetness and a pleasant crisp contrast to every bite.
Eggs, 6: They’re the magic that binds and gives the custard its creamy texture.
Milk, 2 cups: Keeps the custard rich but light and helps meld flavors seamlessly.
Brown sugar, ½ cup: Gives a deep caramelized sweetness that enhances the casserole.
Cinnamon, 2 teaspoons: Infuses the dish with that quintessential warm, spicy aroma.
Vanilla, 1 teaspoon: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle, fragrant sweetness.
Streusel Topping:

Flour, ¼ cup: Creates structure for the crunchy topping.
Brown sugar, ¼ cup: Sweetens the crumble with rich molasses notes.
Butter, 3 tablespoons cold: Adds richness and helps form the crumbly texture.
Cinnamon, ½ teaspoon: Gives the streusel a complementary spicy kick.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Apples

Begin by greasing your casserole dish to prevent sticking. Then take your cubed brioche or French bread and layer it evenly into the dish. Distribute the sliced or cubed apples over the bread, making sure they’re well spread out for extra bursts of juicy sweetness in every portion.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This custard mixture is what soaks into the bread cubes, soaking up that incredible apple cinnamon flavor that defines this recipe.

Step 3: Combine and Soak

Pour the custard evenly over the bread and apples in the casserole dish. Give the dish a gentle shake or press down lightly to ensure the custard absorbs into the bread pieces. At this point, you can cover the dish and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen and the bread to become luxuriously soaked.

Step 4: Prepare and Add Streusel Topping

Mix the flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to crumble the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the soaked casserole, adding that irresistible sweet and buttery crunch that takes this dish to the next level.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and crisp, while the inside stays creamy and soft. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a little custard clinging to it.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe

A baked dish in a white rectangular pan with yellow handles sits on a white marbled surface. The dish has a textured top layer made of golden brown and light yellow chunks that look soft and slightly crisp at the edges. Scattered throughout are darker brown pecans and small apple pieces adding uneven shapes and color contrast. Light white powdered sugar is sprinkled across the top unevenly, along with shiny brown syrup drizzled in patches. The pan is surrounded by three red-yellow apples on the left side and two rose gold forks and a stack of white plates on the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe with a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a rich caramel sauce instantly amps up the indulgence. For a fresh contrast, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few dollops of whipped cream can also make each serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, such as berries or orange slices, which bring a vibrant pop of color and tanginess. For a heartier spread, consider serving alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage links. The savory-sweet interplay keeps your brunch well-balanced and utterly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this casserole family-style right out of the baking dish for a cozy, casual vibe, perfect for weekend mornings. Or, for a brunch gathering, portion it out on pretty plates and garnish individual servings with apple slices or cinnamon sticks for that gorgeous festive touch everyone will admire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy for multiple breakfasts without losing its comforting flavors or texture.

Freezing

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in the freezer, or portion leftovers into airtight containers. Frozen casserole can last up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 1 to 2 minutes or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Reheating restores that fresh-baked warmth and keeps the buttery topping delightfully crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche or French bread provides an ideal texture and flavor, you can substitute with challah, sourdough, or even a sturdy white sandwich bread. Just be sure it’s slightly stale or toasted so it absorbs the custard well without turning mushy.

Do I have to soak the casserole overnight?

Not at all! Soaking overnight enhances the flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, a couple of hours at room temperature will still give you a delicious result. Just bake immediately for a slightly shorter time.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute in the streusel topping. The flavors remain comforting and satisfyingly rich.

How do I add nuts to the recipe?

Chopped pecans or walnuts make a wonderful addition for crunch. Stir them into the streusel topping before crumbling it on the casserole or sprinkle some over the top before baking.

Is this casserole suitable for feeding a crowd?

Definitely. This recipe easily serves 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings. You can double the ingredients and use a larger dish if needed to accommodate more guests.

Final Thoughts

With its tender layers of custardy bread, comforting apples, and a delightfully crunchy cinnamon streusel, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is truly a breakfast masterpiece. Whether you’re treating yourself on a leisurely morning or impressing friends and family at brunch, it’s one of those recipes that feels both special and homey. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, inviting you to savor the warmth and sweetness of every bite.