Craving a cozy breakfast that tastes like fall in every bite? This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is what weekend brunch dreams are made of. Golden cubes of bread soak up a spiced custard, then bake to a fluffy, tender interior with a caramelized crust. Toss in tart green apples and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, and you have a bake that smells like comfort and tastes like home.

Perfect for holiday mornings or lazy Sundays, this casserole balances sweet and tart, soft and crisp. It can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it an easy crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or a delicious treat just for you.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

For best results, start with day-old bread—challah, brioche, or French bread are excellent choices. These breads absorb the custard mixture without turning soggy, creating that perfect texture contrast.

Essential tools include:

9×13 Baking Dish: Ensures even baking and enough depth for layers of bread and apple.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two for preparing the egg custard and tossing the apples.
Whisk: Vital for blending the custard into a smooth, cohesive mixture.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For dicing the apples into even pieces that cook uniformly.
Aluminum Foil: Helpful for covering the casserole midway to prevent over-browning.

Having these tools at hand will streamline your prep and allow the ingredients to shine through in every bite.

Ingredients for the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole has a purpose—flavor, texture, or richness. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Day-old Brioche or Challah Bread: These buttery, sturdy breads soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard base.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: The duo brings creamy body and soft fluffiness to the casserole.
Brown Sugar: Adds a warm sweetness that pairs beautifully with apples and cinnamon.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle aromatic touch.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Essential spices for that cozy, spiced flavor profile.
Green Apples (like Granny Smith): Their tartness balances the sweetness and holds up well when baked.
Butter: Used to coat the pan and dot over the top for added richness and golden finish.

How To Make the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Cube and Prep the Bread

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and let them air dry if they’re too fresh. Drier bread absorbs custard better.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Toss the Apples

Peel and dice the green apples. In a separate bowl, toss them with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a teaspoon of brown sugar.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter. Layer half the bread, then sprinkle half the apples. Repeat with remaining bread and apples.

Step 5: Pour the Custard

Pour the custard evenly over the bread and apple mixture. Press down lightly to help everything soak in. Let it rest for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20 minutes until golden brown and set.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Let it cool slightly, then serve warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Serving and Storing This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

This casserole is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the top is golden and crisp, and the apples are tender. Serve it with a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for a brunch centerpiece that feels indulgent yet homey.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the whole dish in a 300°F oven until heated through. It also freezes beautifully—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of bread works best for this casserole?

Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal. Their density helps soak up the custard without turning mushy.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely. While tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape best, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix for added complexity.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free milk (like almond or oat) and a vegan cream alternative. Substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well. Wrap tightly after assembling and freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can cut the sugar slightly, especially if your apples are on the sweeter side. Just note it will alter the flavor balance.

Want More Breakfast Casserole Ideas?

If breakfast casseroles like this are your thing, don’t stop here. You might enjoy the cozy flavors of my Mississippi Sin Quiche for a savory morning bake. Or explore something sweet like the Cinnamon Donut Bread that pairs wonderfully with coffee.

Looking for fruity options? The Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake brings another level of apple comfort to the table. And for something indulgent but easy, the No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake offers a cool, creamy contrast to warm bakes.

For those who love creative twists, check out the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes —they combine breakfast nostalgia with dessert magic.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your breakfast or brunch boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you try this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you use a different kind of apple? Add a glaze or a crumble topping? Share your twists in the comments below—your version might inspire someone else.

You can also follow me on Pinterest for more cozy casseroles and morning treats straight from LadyPlate. I share new recipes daily!