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Overnight Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

A close-up of a square serving of Apple Cinnamon French Toast topped with caramelized, spiced apple chunks.
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Prepare this make-ahead French toast bake the night before for an easy, comforting brunch. It features brioche bread soaked in a spiced custard and is topped with sautéed apples and optional caramel.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (1 pound) brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 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 diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for apples)
  • Optional Garnish: Caramel sauce, chopped pecans, powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. 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 combined.
  3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press the bread down gently to help it absorb the liquid.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  5. About 30 minutes before baking, prepare the apple topping. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples and granulated sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  7. Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole. If desired, spoon the warm apple topping evenly over the bread mixture.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and the center is set (no liquid remains when lightly touched).
  9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or powdered sugar if you choose.

Notes

  • Brioche bread works best for this recipe because its richness prevents it from becoming too soggy.
  • For a crispier top, sprinkle 1/4 cup of streusel topping over the casserole before the final 15 minutes of baking.
  • If you need to reheat leftovers, cover loosely with foil and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

Nutrition

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