Indulge in a delicious breakfast or brunch with this irresistible Apple Streusel French Toast Casserole!
This comforting dish combines the classic flavors of French toast with a delightful apple streusel topping, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering or simply treating yourself to a special morning meal, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to impress.
With layers of fluffy bread soaked in a rich custard and topped with caramelized apples and crunchy streusel, this French toast casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- French bread, cut into cubes – 1 loaf (about 12-14 ounces)
- Eggs – 6
- Milk – 2 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
For the Apple Streusel Topping:
- Apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced – 3 large
- Brown sugar – 1/2 cup
- All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup
- Rolled oats – 1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed – 1/2 cup
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Mixing spoon
- Pastry cutter or fork
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Prepare French Toast Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Assemble Casserole: Place the cubed French bread in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is coated. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
Prepare Streusel Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Apples and Streusel: Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly over the soaked bread in the baking dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples.
Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
Nutritional Facts
Servings: About 10-12 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 170mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Total Sugars: 25g
Protein: 10g
Health Benefits
While Apple Streusel French Toast Casserole is a decadent treat, it does offer some nutritional benefits:
Fiber: Apples and oats provide dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and can help keep you feeling full.
Protein: Eggs and milk are rich sources of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Antioxidants: Cinnamon and apples contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it in the morning as directed.
2. Can I use a different type of bread?
While French bread works best for this recipe, you can use other types of bread such as brioche or challah for a richer flavor.
3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can use non-dairy milk and coconut cream in place of milk and heavy cream to make this casserole dairy-free.
4. Can I omit the streusel topping?
If you prefer a simpler version, you can omit the streusel topping or replace it with a simple sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before serving.