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Easy Make-Ahead Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole: Your Perfect Cozy Breakfast!

Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, without the morning rush. Our Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast solution, loaded with tender, sweet apples and crowned with a delectable cinnamon streusel. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a timeless tradition waiting to happen in your kitchen, ensuring you’ll revisit it for countless cozy mornings to come.

The Irresistible Allure of Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole

Is there anything quite as comforting and homey as the enchanting smell of cinnamon baked apples filling your kitchen? If that thought brings a smile to your face, then you are absolutely going to adore this hearty and incredibly satisfying breakfast casserole. Every element of this French toast casserole embodies ease and comfort. From the fresh milk that creates its creamy custard base to the crisp apples that soften into sweet pockets, the rich eggs, and the essential butter – this recipe is a true celebration of wholesome ingredients. It’s a wonderful reminder of the dedication of our local farmers who bring these essentials to our tables.

Living in a rural community, where farming is not only one of the largest industries but also the very livelihood of many of my cherished friends and neighbors, it brings me immense joy to support them through my favorite pastimes: baking and, of course, eating! This casserole, bursting with fresh produce and dairy, is a direct connection to their hard work and passion. It’s more than just food; it’s a taste of community and tradition.

The Goodness of Dairy: From Farm to Your Family’s Table

My earliest memories of school field trips include a delightful visit to a classmate’s family dairy farm back in kindergarten. We got to meet the friendly dairy cows, and even better, we sampled fresh cartons of milk straight from their farm. It was an experience that truly stuck with me, highlighting the simple joy and nutrition that dairy brings.

Fast forward to today, and while the core goodness of dairy remains, farming practices have evolved dramatically for the better. Did you know that thanks to innovative farming techniques, improved feed and genetics, and modern farm designs, the environmental impact of producing a single gallon of milk in 2017 significantly decreased? This remarkable progress meant requiring 30% less water, 21% less land, and a 19% smaller carbon footprint compared to just a decade earlier in 2007. These advancements not only ensure a sustainable future but also mean we can continue to enjoy the wholesome benefits of dairy with greater peace of mind.

This commitment to sustainability is fantastic news, especially when considering the powerful nutrients that dairy foods like milk, cheese, and butter provide. These staples are packed with essential nutrients our growing kids need for healthy development and adults need for overall wellness. Specifically, three vital nutrients found abundantly in dairy – Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and protein – are crucial for a robust immune function. Incorporating more dairy into your family’s diet is surprisingly easy; simply add milk and other dairy products to your everyday cooking and baking. Whether it’s a splash of milk in your morning coffee, a sprinkle of cheese on your dinner, or the wholesome goodness in this French toast casserole, dairy enriches meals with flavor and nutrition. Just pick up a gallon of fresh milk at your local grocery store – I personally bought the milk for this very recipe at my local Hy-Vee store – and let the baking begin!

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Your French Toast Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful breakfast. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole:

A loaf of crusty bread (day-old bread works best for soaking up the custard!)
Chopped apples (about 2 large apples, any firm, sweet-tart variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp works wonderfully)
Large eggs
Whole Milk (for that rich, creamy French toast texture)
Granulated sugar
Dark brown sugar (packed – I prefer dark for its deep, caramel-like notes, but light brown sugar can also be used)
Pure vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
All-purpose flour (for the streusel)
Unsalted butter (for the streusel and greasing the pan)

How to Make Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this incredible make-ahead casserole is surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for busy individuals or a fun family activity. Follow these easy steps:

**Prepare Your Baking Dish:** Begin by thoroughly greasing a 9×13 inch casserole pan with nonstick baking spray or butter. This ensures easy serving and prevents sticking.
**Layer the Base:** Tear or cut your crusty bread into roughly 1-inch chunks. Distribute these bread cubes evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. Next, layer the chopped apples over the bread. This step is a fantastic opportunity to involve younger helpers in the kitchen!
**Whisk the Custard:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth. The whole milk is key here, contributing to the ultimate creamy and rich texture of your French toast.
**Soak Overnight (or for at least 6 hours):** Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and apples in the casserole dish. Ensure that the top layer of bread is thoroughly coated and submerged as much as possible, as this allows the bread to fully absorb the custardy goodness. Cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It’s crucial to let it sit overnight, or for a minimum of 6 hours, to allow the bread cubes to become fully saturated and incredibly tender.
**Prepare the Streusel Topping:** While the casserole chills, prepare your irresistible streusel topping. In a plastic food-safe bag (like a large Ziploc), combine the flour, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. “Smush” or knead the bag until all the ingredients are well combined and form a crumbly mixture. Place this bag in the fridge alongside your casserole. This simple step means that the next morning, all you have to do is sprinkle and bake! It’s truly that easy.

A close up image of a bite of french toast casserole dripping with syrup.

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole

Loaded with tender baked apples and topped with a delightful cinnamon streusel, this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole is the perfect easy make-ahead breakfast for any occasion.

Average rating: 4.44 from 51 votes

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Additional Time (Soak): 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 55 minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 390 kcal per serving

Author: Amy D

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread (cut into cubes)
3 cups chopped apples (approximately 2 large apples)
8 large eggs
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Streusel Topping

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup melted butter

Instructions

Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick baking spray or butter.
Layer the bread cubes and chopped apples evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Pour this delicious mixture evenly over the bread cubes and apples, ensuring all pieces are moistened.
Cover the casserole dish tightly and place it in the fridge overnight, or for a minimum of 6 hours. This soaking time is essential for the bread to absorb the liquid and become perfectly custardy.
Prepare the streusel topping: Add the flour, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to a large Ziploc bag. “Smush” the ingredients together inside the bag until a crumbly mixture forms. Store this in the fridge with the casserole until you’re ready to bake.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the French toast casserole, still covered with foil, for 35-40 minutes. Remove it from the oven, uncover, and evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the surface. Return to the oven and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center of the French toast comes out clean.
Serve warm, drizzled generously with maple syrup or your favorite topping.

Recommended Products for This Recipe

Rectangular Bakeware 13 x 9 Inches

OXO Good Grips Apple Slicer, Corer and Divider

Nutrition Information

Did You Make this Recipe? Please leave a review or a photo! We’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations!

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole is incredibly versatile. You can serve it simply as it is, allowing the natural sweetness of the apples and the richness of the custard to shine. A generous drizzle of warm maple syrup is always a classic and welcome addition. But for those who love to elevate their breakfast, consider adding a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or even a decadent Salted Caramel Glaze – especially if you’re a fan of the delightful combination of caramel apples! A dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish and an extra touch of sweetness.

Feeling adventurous? Consider these variations:

**Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice to the custard for a more complex spice profile.
**Different Fruits:** While apples are phenomenal, you could try substituting with pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries for a summer twist.
**Nutty Crunch:** Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the bread and apple layers for added texture.

I sincerely hope that your family will fall in love with this easy make-ahead breakfast as much as ours has. It’s truly one of our absolute favorites for special occasions or just a leisurely weekend morning. What’s your go-to baking recipe that truly shines with the simple, wholesome goodness of milk?

Don’t forget to pin this recipe to save for later! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to your breakfast rotation.