Apple Cinnamon Raisin French Toast Casserole
Transform your breakfast experience with this luscious Apple Cinnamon Raisin French Toast Casserole. Made from leftover Italian bread, this delightful dish is layered with tender chopped apples, plump raisins, and a rich blend of spices. Baked to golden perfection, it boasts a crispy topping that adds a satisfying crunch contrast to the soft, custardy interior. Ideal for family brunches or gatherings, serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for a memorable morning treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian bread
1 (torn into bite-sized pieces)
large eggs
8 (beaten)
milk or Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1 cup
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon
ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon
brown sugar
1/3 cup
raisins
1/2 cup (optional)
medium apple (Granny Smith recommended)
1 (finely chopped)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
salt
1 dash
all-purpose flour
1/3 cup
brown sugar (for topping)
1/2 cup
ground cinnamon (for topping)
1 teaspoon
salt (for topping)
1 dash
chopped pecans
1/2 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Tear the Italian bread into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly in a shallow baking pan (like a Pampered Chef Shallow Baker).
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and a dash of salt until well combined.
4
Fold in the chopped apples and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed.
5
Pour the egg mixture over the bread pieces in the baking pan. Stir gently to ensure all the bread is well coated and soaked in the mixture.
6
In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter, flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a dash of salt, and pecans (if using) until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the bread and custard layer.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm. Drizzle with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
40
Carbs
10
Protein
2
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apple Cinnamon Raisin French Toast Casserole?
It is a breakfast dish made from Italian bread, chopped apples, raisins, and a rich blend of spices baked into a custard-like interior with a crispy topping.
What kind of bread is best for this casserole?
Italian bread is recommended for this recipe, specifically torn into bite-sized pieces to better soak up the custard.
Can I use a non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests that unsweetened vanilla almond milk is a great alternative to regular milk.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
You will need 8 large eggs, which should be beaten before being mixed with the other custard ingredients.
Which type of apple works best in this dish?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness and firm texture hold up well during baking.
Are the raisins a necessary ingredient?
No, raisins are listed as an optional ingredient and can be omitted based on your preference.
Can I add nuts to the French toast casserole?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the topping for extra crunch.
How should I prepare the bread?
The Italian bread should be torn into bite-sized pieces and placed evenly in a shallow baking pan.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) before baking.
How long does it take to bake?
The casserole takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes to bake until the top is golden brown.
Can I make this French toast casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this is a make-ahead friendly recipe that can be prepared in advance for busy mornings.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch gathering?
Absolutely, it is ideal for family brunches or large gatherings and serves as a memorable morning treat.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in this casserole?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
Does this dish contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 2 grams of fiber.
What spices are used in the custard mixture?
The custard is seasoned with ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a dash of salt.
How is the crispy topping made?
The topping is a mixture of melted butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and optional pecans combined until crumbly.
Do I need to peel the apples?
The recipe calls for finely chopped apples; peeling is optional depending on your texture preference.
What type of sugar is used for sweetness?
Brown sugar is used in both the custard mixture and the crumbly topping.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is finished when the top layer is golden brown and the bread has set into a crispy texture.
Should the casserole be served warm or cold?
It is best served warm, allowed to cool only slightly after being removed from the oven.
What should I serve as a topping?
A drizzle of maple syrup is recommended for an extra touch of sweetness.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian bread with a gluten-free bread of similar density to accommodate dietary needs.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Can I reheat this casserole the next day?
Yes, you can reheat portions in the oven or microwave until they are heated through.
Is this recipe considered easy for beginners?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two separate pans if serving a larger crowd.
What type of baking pan is recommended?
A shallow baking pan, such as a Pampered Chef Shallow Baker, is ideal for this recipe.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 40 grams of carbohydrates.