There’s something so heartwarming about waking up to the smell of freshly baked goods, and my overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole is the perfect way to kick-start the day! I love preparing this dish for family gatherings or cozy weekend brunches with friends. It’s incredibly easy to throw together the night before, allowing all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully while you sleep. Just imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through the house as it bakes in the morning. Trust me, this casserole is not just a breakfast; it’s a warm hug on a plate! You’ll absolutely love how simple yet satisfying this dish is, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 4 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk, to add richness
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for sweetness
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, for that lovely flavor
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, because cinnamon makes everything better!
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (I love using Granny Smith for a tart kick)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, for a deeper sweetness
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, to drizzle over the top
How to Prepare Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get started on this delicious overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole! First, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Make sure it’s nice and smooth—this mixture is the heart of your casserole!
Next, gently fold in the cubed French bread, making sure each piece is well-coated with that glorious egg mixture. Once that’s done, add in the 2 cups of peeled and chopped apples. I like to mix them in carefully to keep those lovely apple chunks intact.
Now, transfer this delightful mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, so every bite gets that perfect blend of flavors. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar with 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter until it’s all combined and a bit gooey. Drizzle this sweet mixture over the top of the casserole—oh, it’s going to be so good!
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and pop it in the fridge overnight. This is when all those flavors marry beautifully! The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes or until it’s golden brown and the apples are tender. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the cozy goodness with your favorite toppings like maple syrup or whipped cream!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless prep: Just mix, refrigerate, and bake!
- Deliciously comforting flavors that will warm your heart
- Perfect for family brunches, holidays, or lazy weekend mornings
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite fruits or toppings
- Feeds a crowd: Generous servings that make everyone happy!
- Leftovers (if there are any) are just as tasty the next day
Tips for Success
To really nail this overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole, here are some of my top tips! First, make sure your French bread is a day or two old—this helps it soak up all that delicious egg mixture without turning mushy. If you can, use a sturdy loaf for the best texture. When you’re mixing in the apples, don’t be afraid to get creative—feel free to add in some raisins or nuts for extra flavor and crunch!
Also, be sure to cover the dish tightly before refrigerating it overnight; you want to keep all those flavors in! And if you’re short on time in the morning, you can prep the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, giving you the freedom to relax while it bakes. Lastly, don’t skip letting it cool for a few minutes before serving; it helps the casserole set a bit more, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for each serving of my overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 7g
This casserole not only fills your belly but also provides a delightful balance of flavors and nutrients to kickstart your day! Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can get creative with your fruit choices. While I love the tartness of apples, feel free to substitute with pears, berries, or even peaches. Just keep in mind that different fruits have varying moisture levels; for example, berries will add a bit more juiciness, which can make the casserole slightly softer. Experiment and find your favorite combo!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole to be dairy-free! Swap the whole milk for almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk you prefer. For the eggs, consider using a flaxseed meal mixture or a commercial egg replacer. Just ensure to adjust the ratios according to the package instructions, and you’ll still have a delicious breakfast casserole to enjoy!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick breakfast fix!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole turns out! If you try it, please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. And don’t forget to share your delicious creation on social media—tag me so I can see your beautiful breakfast! Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Slow Cooked Brisket.
Print
Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Add the cubed French bread and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and melted butter.
- Drizzle the brown sugar mixture over the casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) the next day.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute other fruits if desired.
- Serve with maple syrup or whipped cream.
- Make sure to cover the dish tightly before refrigerating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: overnight cinnamon apple baked french toast casserole
