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Cozy Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Casserole: Best Ever Brunch Recipe

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This cozy apple cinnamon breakfast casserole is the perfect make-ahead brunch dish. With tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a creamy custard-soaked bread base, it’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that lets you enjoy your own party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups bread, cubed (brioche, challah, or sourdough)
  • 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, toast at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes until slightly dry. Let cool completely.
  2. Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick wedges. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add apples, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook 5-7 minutes until tender but still holding shape. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and pale yellow.
  4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter. Spread half the bread cubes in the dish. Spoon half the cooked apples over the bread. Top with remaining bread cubes and apples. Pour custard evenly over everything, pressing down gently with a spatula.
  5. Cover dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit on counter for 20 minutes. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20-25 minutes until top is golden brown and center is set (knife inserted comes out clean).
  7. Let casserole rest 10-15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For best texture, let the casserole rest overnight in the refrigerator. Use a mix of apple varieties (e.g., Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for balanced flavor. For a crunchier top, add 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup chopped pecans during the last 10 minutes of baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon breakfast casserole, overnight breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, apple cinnamon bread pudding, make-ahead breakfast

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-apple-cinnamon-breakfast-casserole-best-ever-brunch-recipe/