Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast treat: the overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole! Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug on a chilly morning. The best part? You can whip it up the night before and just pop it in the oven when you wake up! It’s so easy—just layer some cubes of bread with sweet, spiced apples, pour a creamy egg mixture over the top, and let it do its magic overnight. When you wake up, the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples fills your kitchen, and trust me, it’s heavenly! This casserole not only saves you time in the morning but also delivers a delightful, comforting flavor that everyone will love. It’s all about enjoying breakfast without the fuss, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
- 6 slices of bread, cubed (any type you love works!)
- 2 apples, diced (I usually go for Granny Smith for that perfect tartness)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy)
- 1/4 cup sugar (you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (the star of the show!)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (trust me, this adds a lovely touch)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (for that rich, buttery goodness)
How to Prepare Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delightful overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole! I promise, once you see how easy it is, you’ll be whipping this up every weekend.
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first, you’ll want to grease your baking dish. I usually use a generous amount of butter or cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks. It makes cleanup a breeze, and trust me, you don’t want your beautiful casserole clinging to the sides!
Step 2: Cube the Bread
Next up, take your slices of bread and cut them into cubes, about 1-inch in size. This step is super important because it helps the bread soak up all that delicious egg mixture evenly. I like to use a mix of crusty and soft bread for texture, but go with what you love!
Step 3: Mix Apples with Cinnamon
Now, grab those diced apples and toss them in a bowl with the sugar and cinnamon. This is where the magic begins! The cinnamon adds warmth, and the sugar brings out the apples’ natural sweetness. Mix it until everything is coated—it smells divine!
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Time to assemble! Spread those cinnamon apples evenly over the cubed bread in your baking dish. This layering is key; you want every bite to have that yummy apple flavor and not just bread on its own. Make sure it’s all distributed nicely!
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until it’s all smooth and well combined. This mixture is what transforms your casserole into a creamy, dreamy delight! Don’t rush this step; a good whisk helps everything blend perfectly.
Step 6: Pour and Refrigerate
Now, pour that luscious egg mixture over the bread and apple layers, making sure every piece of bread gets a good soak. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight. This is where the magic happens—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 7: Bake
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s nice and hot, bake your casserole for about 45 minutes until it’s golden brown and puffy. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are crisp, and the center has set. Just picture that beautiful, bubbling dish coming out of the oven!
Step 8: Serve
Let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving, and it’s best enjoyed warm. You can drizzle it with maple syrup, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top, or even add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Oh, the possibilities are endless!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s chat about some tips to make sure your overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole turns out absolutely perfect! First off, always use good-quality bread—stale bread works wonders here because it absorbs the egg mixture beautifully. I love using a mix of brioche and sourdough, but feel free to get creative!
Make sure to dice your apples into even pieces; this helps them cook uniformly. If you want to add a little extra crunch, toss in some chopped nuts or raisins into the apple mixture. Just be careful not to overbake it—keep an eye on it in the oven. You want that golden brown top, but nobody likes a dry casserole!
Lastly, don’t skip the overnight chilling step. It’s essential for allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up all that delicious egg mixture. Trust me, the wait is worth every bite! Oh, and remember to let it cool slightly before diving in; it’ll be hot, hot, hot! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for this delightful overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 8g
This casserole is a satisfying way to start your day, packed with a lovely balance of flavors and nutrients. Enjoy it as part of a hearty breakfast, and feel good knowing you’re fueling your body right!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole is its versatility when it comes to bread. You can use any bread you love—brioche, challah, sourdough, or even whole wheat. Each type of bread brings its own unique flavor and texture. For instance, brioche will give you a rich, buttery flavor, while sourdough adds a nice tang. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for optimal soaking!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. It’s just as tasty the next day—perfect for a quick breakfast treat!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You sure can! To make this overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole gluten-free, just swap out regular bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. There are so many delicious options available these days, from gluten-free brioche to whole grain varieties. Just be sure to check the ingredients to avoid any sneaky gluten! The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get that lovely, comforting flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a make-ahead breakfast, saving you precious time in the morning.
- The delightful combination of warm cinnamon and sweet apples is simply irresistible.
- It feeds a crowd—perfect for family gatherings or brunch with friends!
- Super easy to customize with your favorite fruits, nuts, or even chocolate.
- Baking it fills your home with an amazing aroma that’ll make everyone eager to dig in.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a perfect option for meal prep.
- It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike!
Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole Bliss
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious overnight cinnamon apple baked French toast casserole perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread
- 2 apples, diced
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Grease a baking dish.
- Cut bread into cubes and place in the dish.
- In a bowl, mix apples with cinnamon and sugar.
- Spread apple mixture over the bread.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Pour egg mixture over the bread and apples.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of bread you prefer.
- Feel free to add nuts or raisins.
- Serve with syrup or powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: overnight cinnamon apple baked french toast casserole
