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- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling) I love using brioche or challah bread for this recipe. They soak up the egg mixture well. Eggs, milk, and heavy cream make the base creamy and rich. The brown sugar adds sweetness, while cinnamon gives warmth. Apples bring a fresh crunch and flavor. Caramel sauce is the star, adding a sweet finish. - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - Powdered sugar for dusting Chopped pecans add a nice texture and nutty flavor. Dusting with powdered sugar gives a lovely touch. You can skip these if you prefer a simpler dish. But they enhance the overall taste and look. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms your oven for even baking. Next, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. You can use butter or non-stick spray. This helps the casserole not stick to the dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together four large eggs, two cups of milk, and half a cup of heavy cream. Add in half a cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Don’t forget a pinch of salt! Mix until everything is smooth and combined. Now, add one loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into one-inch cubes, to the egg mixture. Gently fold the bread until it is fully coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the bread soak up the mixture. In a separate bowl, mix three medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced, with half of the caramel sauce. If you like, add half a cup of chopped pecans. Spread half of the bread mixture in the prepared baking dish. Then, layer with the apple mixture. Pour the rest of the bread mixture over the apples, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the top to be golden and set. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for that sweet finish. - Choosing the right bread: Use brioche or challah. These breads soak up the egg mixture well. They add a rich flavor that makes every bite special. - Ensuring bread absorbs the mixture: Let the bread sit in the egg mixture for about 10-15 minutes. This time helps the bread soak up all the liquid. You want it fully coated for the best texture. - Drizzling caramel sauce: After baking, drizzle more caramel sauce on top. This adds a sweet touch that pairs perfectly with the apples. - Adding whipped cream or ice cream: For a special treat, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The creaminess balances the flavors and makes it extra delicious. - Adjusting bake time for desired doneness: Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want a golden top and a firm center. - Letting cool before serving: After baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This helps it set up nicely. If you cut it too soon, it may fall apart. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your casserole. Adding nuts like pecans gives a nice crunch. You can also add dried fruits for extra sweetness. Try raisins or cranberries for a fun twist. Spices like nutmeg or ginger can add warmth and depth. Just a pinch can transform the dish. Experiment with these to find your favorite mix. The type of apples you use makes a big difference. Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp add a nice flavor. Tart apples, like Granny Smith, give a tangy kick. Using a mix can balance sweetness and tartness perfectly. You can also try other varieties, like Braeburn or Pink Lady. Each type brings its unique taste and texture. If you need a gluten-free option, several choices work well. Look for gluten-free bread made from rice or almond flour. These breads can still provide good texture. You can also use gluten-free brioche if you find it. Just make sure to check the label to ensure it’s truly gluten-free. To keep your Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole fresh, choose a good container. A glass or plastic dish with a tight lid works best. Make sure it is airtight to prevent moisture loss. Store the casserole in the fridge for up to four days. Always let it cool first to avoid steam buildup. When it comes to reheating, you have two options: the microwave or the oven. For quick reheating, the microwave is fine. Place a slice on a plate and heat for about 30 seconds. For a crispier texture, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole in, and heat for about 15 minutes. Freezing is also an option if you want to save some for later. First, let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This will keep them fresh for up to three months. To thaw, move the casserole to the fridge overnight before reheating. Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools before sealing. This way, it won't get soggy. You can enjoy it warm or cold. Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before! Simply assemble it, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. This helps the bread soak up the mixture overnight. In the morning, just bake it. You'll save time and have a warm meal ready to go! Absolutely! You can use any bread you like. Brioche and challah are great, but try sourdough or a hearty whole grain. Each type will give a different taste and texture. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the egg mixture well. Yes, non-dairy options work well in this recipe. Use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of regular milk. For heavy cream, try coconut cream or a thick nut-based cream. These swaps will keep the dish creamy and delicious without dairy. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole. We went over the key ingredients, like eggs, bread, and apples, along with optional nuts for extra crunch. I shared step-by-step instructions for easy preparation and baking. You learned tips for the best results and fun variations to try. In the end, this dish is a perfect blend of sweetness and comfort. Try this recipe to impress your family and friends. Enjoy preparing and savoring this tasty treat!

Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole! This easy recipe combines fluffy bread, sweet apples, and rich caramel for a breakfast that feels like dessert. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy brunches, this dish is sure to impress. Follow our simple steps to create a warm, inviting dish that everyone will love. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to savor the sweet goodness! #FrenchToastCasserole #BreakfastIdeas #CaramelApple #BrunchRecipes
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 large eggs

2 cups milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until combined and smooth.

      Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture, gently folding until all the bread is coated. Allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid.

        In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples with half of the caramel sauce and chopped pecans (if using).

          Spread half of the bread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then top with the apple mixture. Pour the remaining bread mixture over the apples, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

            Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the casserole.

              Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.

                Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

                  Serve warm with extra caramel sauce drizzled over the top, if desired.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8