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Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

A close-up of a slice of Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake on a white plate, showcasing the tender apple pieces and crumb topping.
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A make-ahead brunch casserole with apples and cinnamon, topped with streusel. Prep it the night before for an easy, cozy fall breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (1 pound) brioche, challah, or Texas toast bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups thinly sliced apples (about 2 medium, Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Streusel Topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. If desired, you can lightly sauté the apples in a pan with 1 tablespoon of butter for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened, but this is optional.
  2. Assemble the bake: Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour the apple mixture over the bread. Drizzle with the melted butter and toss gently to coat.
  3. Make the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
  4. Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Gently press down to ensure all pieces are moistened. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  5. Prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  6. Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Transfer the soaked bread mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top.
  8. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The center should be custardy.
  9. Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk.
  • Add cream cheese pockets by dolloping small spoonfuls of cream cheese between the bread cubes before soaking.
  • Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or chopped pecans.
  • This bake can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/apple-cinnamon-french-toast-bake/