This Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole combines the flavors of caramelized apples, soft and buttery brioche and the sweet pecan topping to create one delicious bite.
There is something magical about waking up to the smell of sweet caramelized cinnamon apples and buttery brioche baking in the oven. The aroma travels through the air bringing the warmth and coziness of a chilly fall day. This Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole is sure to conjure up all those feelings. With its buttery brioche cubes that are layered with sweet caramelized apples then soaked in a rich custard overnight so that all the liquids are absorbed. When you get up the next day just top with the pecan streusel and pop in the oven to bake. It’s that easy.
Why You Will Love This Dish
- Easy Make Ahead Dish: When having a get together it is so helpful to have a dish that can be prepared ahead of time. Especially a dish that tastes this good.
- Flavor: Just imagine sweet caramelized apples layered in between buttery brioche then smothered in a rich custard and topped with a sweet crunchy pecan streusel then baked until golden and puffy. The perfect combination of flavors and textures brought together to create the perfect bite.
- Great Fall Dish: When fall rolls around and you start to crave those warm and cozy flavors, this is the perfect dish to make. With sweet apples, warm cinnamon and the caramelized flavor of brown sugar you will be sure to immerse yourself in all the flavors of fall.
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What You Will Need To Make This Dish
Equipment:
- Casserole Dish: For this recipe you are going to want to use a 9” x 13” casserole dish. I like to use ceramic due to its ability to distribute heat evenly and also because its easy to clean.
- Non Stick Frying Pan: For sautéing the apples. I like to use a ceramic non stick frying pan so that it doesn’t give off toxins when in use.
- Mixing Bowl: I like having mixing bowls in a variety of sizes. This helps when preparing a recipe. I prefer glass mixing bowls because they do not react to acidic ingredients which could change the flavor of your recipes.
Ingredients:
- Apples: You are going to want to use a sweet firm apple that will hold its shape. I went for a Fuji apple but a Gala or Honey Crisp will work as well.
- Butter: Unsalted is best, this way you can control the salt content in your recipe.
- Brown Sugar: For added caramelized flavor.
- Apple Cider: This will add a warm apple flavor to your dish.
- Bourbon: This is optional. It will add a bit of warmth to this dish.
- Spices: The addition of Ground Cinnamon and Ground Nutmeg pair well with the apples.
- Brioche: Cut into cubes.
- Eggs: For the rich custard.
- Milk: Whole or 2%.
- Vanilla Extract: I always opt for pure vanilla extract due to its intense vanilla flavor.
- Salt: A small amount of salt will enhance the flavors in the dish.
- Flour: All purpose flour works best.
- Pecans: For the topping. It will add a bit of crunch to this dish.
Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole
Course: BrunchDifficulty: Easy10
servings30
minutes55
minutesThis Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole combines the flavors of caramelized apples, soft buttery brioche and a sweet pecan topping to create one delicious bite.
Ingredients
- For The Apples
6 Medium apples ( Fuji, Gala or Honey Crisp ), diced
1/4 Cup unsalted butter
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/4 Cup apple cider
2 Tablespoons Bourbon ( optional )
1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Pinch ofGround Nutmeg
- For The French Toast
1 Loaf of Brioche cut into cubes
6 Eggs at room temperature
1 Cup milk
1/2 Cup apple cider
1/4 Cup brown sugar
1 1/2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
- For The Crumble Topping
1/3 Cup All Purpose Flour
1/3 Cup brown sugar
1/2 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 Cup chopped pecans
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Directions
- For The Apples
- Place butter, apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar in a large saucepan set over medium heat and toss to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally until apples soften. Pour in cider and bourbon and continue cooking until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set to the side to cool.
- For The French Toast
- Spray a 9” x 11” casserole dish with baking spray. Spread half of the brioche cubes on the bottom then half of the cooled sautéed apples. Repeat with the remaining brioche cubes and remaining apples. Set to the side.
- To make the custard, whisk together the eggs, milk, cider, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl until combined. Pour the custard over the bread and apples. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight.
- For The Crumble Topping
- Preheat oven to 350º
- Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans in a medium bowl. Pour the melted butter on top and using a fork mix to form a crumble.
- Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole dish and sprinkle the crumble topping over the top. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until golden and puffed. Remove from oven, slice and serve with maple syrup.
- Enjoy
