The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples fills the air, enticing everyone around. Imagine a warm, gooey Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole as the sun rises, promising a perfect start to your day. Cottage cheese flatbreads for brunch Mini pineapple cheesecakes for dessert.
This delightful casserole combines soft bread soaked in creamy custard with sweet, spiced apples. It’s not just breakfast; it’s a hug on a plate that brings family and friends together for those special morning moments. For more inspiration, check out this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings
- Its flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet apples and warm spices
- The visually appealing layers create an irresistible centerpiece for any brunch table
- You can easily customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings
I still remember the first time I made this dish; my family couldn’t stop raving about it all morning!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Challah Bread: This slightly sweet bread holds up well when soaked and gives a lovely texture.
Eggs: Use large eggs for the best results, providing richness and structure to the casserole.
Milk: Whole milk works best, adding creaminess that enriches the flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm spice flavor we all love.
Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for a nice tartness and texture.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavors beautifully in this dish.
Butter: A generous amount of melted butter enhances richness and creates a golden top layer.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Bread Base: Start by cutting the challah bread into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large mixing bowl, letting their fluffy form inspire you.
Create the Custard Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. The mixture should become frothy with anticipation as you mix.
Add Apples and Butter: Fold in peeled and sliced apples into the custard mixture. Drizzle melted butter over everything to ensure even coverage, like icing on a cake.
Combine Everything Together: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in your mixing bowl. Stir gently until every piece is coated with that delicious concoction.
Let It Soak Overnight: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This soaking time allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Bake It Off in the Morning!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap from your casserole dish and bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top.
Now take a moment to savor that heavenly smell wafting through your kitchen as breakfast bakes!
Once done baking, let it cool slightly before serving. You can dust powdered sugar on top or drizzle maple syrup for added sweetness if desired. Cozy baked oats for breakfast Enjoy this delightful Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole as a centerpiece at your next brunch gathering! Soft baked maple donut bars.
You Must Know
- Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole is a cozy breakfast option that makes mornings delightful
- The sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples fills your kitchen, creating a warm atmosphere
- This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a simple Sunday brunch
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your casserole the night before to allow the bread to soak up the flavors. In the morning, simply bake it until golden brown and bubbly for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts for crunch or swapping apples with pears for a unique twist. You can also sprinkle some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Allowing the bread to soak overnight ensures maximum flavor absorption, making each bite heavenly
- Always use stale bread; fresh bread won’t soak up all that delicious custard goodness
- Consider using various types of apples for a delightful mix of flavors and textures
Sharing this dish brought joy during last year’s holiday brunch, where everyone praised my cooking skills—who knew I had it in me?
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free bread for this casserole?
Yes, gluten-free bread works well and maintains great texture.
How long should I bake it?
Bake at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
Can I prepare this casserole without eggs?
Absolutely! Use a flaxseed meal mixture as an egg substitute for a vegan option.

Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Start your day with a warm, comforting slice of Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole. This delightful dish features tender challah bread soaked in a creamy custard, layered with sweet, spiced apples and topped with a golden crust. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy brunches, this easy recipe allows you to prepare ahead of time, making mornings effortless and delicious.
Ingredients
- 10 cups challah bread (cubed)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 medium apples (peeled and sliced)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cut the challah bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until frothy.
- Fold in the sliced apples and drizzle melted butter over the mixture.
- Pour the custard over the bread cubes and stir gently to coat.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving; dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider mixing in nuts or swapping apples for pears. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the microwave or oven.