Description
This Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole is a decadent and comforting breakfast dish featuring layers of French bread soaked in a rich custard, combined with tender caramel-coated apples and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for holiday mornings or special weekend brunches, it offers the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into bite-sized cubes
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Apple Topping
- 3 apples, washed, cored, and chopped
- 2 cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×12-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cut the French bread into bite-sized cubes and place half of the bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs until blended. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Coat Apples with Caramel: Place the chopped apples in a separate bowl. Pour 1 cup of caramel sauce over the apples and toss gently with a wooden spoon until the apples are evenly coated.
- Layer Ingredients: Pour half of the egg custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Spoon half of the caramel-coated apple mixture over the bread layer to distribute it evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining bread cubes in a second layer on top of the first. Pour the remaining egg custard over the bread, pressing down gently to help it soak through. Top this with the remaining caramel apple mixture spread evenly.
- Refrigerate to Set: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully for a tender, flavorful casserole.
- Preheat Oven: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Bake: Place the uncovered casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes after baking. Serve warm with the remaining caramel sauce drizzled over the top for extra sweetness and richness.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the casserole the night before and let it soak overnight to fully develop flavors and texture.
- Use a sturdy French bread that can hold up to soaking without becoming too soggy.
- If you prefer, homemade caramel sauce can be used for a richer flavor.
- Serve with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
