Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks: Easy Baked Breakfast Casserole

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks casserole is about to become your new favorite breakfast hero! Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of warm apples and cinnamon, all baked into a fuss-free dish that’s perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a special brunch gathering. It’s a delightful twist on classic French toast, transformed into easy-to-eat sticks and baked to golden perfection.

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying breakfast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your immediate family, these French toast sticks are guaranteed to bring smiles to the breakfast table.

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What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe truly shines for its incredible simplicity and delicious results. It’s perfect for busy parents who want to serve a warm, homemade breakfast without spending an hour at the stove. The “casserole” format means you can prepare it, pop it in the oven, and then enjoy your coffee while it bakes to perfection. It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks or brunches because it feeds a crowd easily and travels well. The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon is universally appealing, making it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Plus, serving it as “sticks” makes it super fun and easy for little hands to manage – no forks required if you don’t want them!

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients before you start cooking makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. You’ll find that most of these items are probably already staples in your pantry and fridge, making this a convenient choice for any day of the week.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 loaf brioche bread or challah, day-old preferred
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 medium apples, such as Fuji or Gala, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
• Maple syrup, for serving

For the bread, a day-old brioche or challah works best because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy. If you can’t find brioche or challah, a sturdy white bread or Texas toast will also work well. Feel free to use any type of milk you have on hand, though whole milk offers the richest flavor. When it comes to apples, firm, sweet-tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during baking and provide a lovely balance to the sweetness of the French toast.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is wonderfully efficient, allowing you to get a delicious breakfast on the table without a long wait.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delicious apple cinnamon French toast casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect breakfast every time.

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Slice the brioche or challah bread into 1-inch thick “sticks.” Arrange the bread sticks in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Don’t worry if they’re a little snug; that’s perfectly fine.
2. Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until well combined and frothy. This is your flavorful custard base that will soak into the bread.
3. Soak the Bread Sticks: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread sticks in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated and soaking up the liquid. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
4. Prepare the Apple Topping: While the bread is soaking, in a separate small bowl, combine the diced apples, melted butter, brown sugar, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
5. Add Apples and Bake: Scatter the apple mixture evenly over the soaked bread sticks in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown, puffed up, and the apples are tender. The center should be set, not liquidy.
6. Serve Warm: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The French toast sticks will be warm and fragrant, ready for a drizzle of maple syrup.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This apple cinnamon French toast casserole is incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your family’s preferences or a special occasion. For a kid-friendly twist, you can add a handful of chocolate chips to the apple mixture before baking, or offer a variety of sprinkles at the table for a fun topping bar. If you want to boost the fruit factor, consider adding a handful of fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries along with the apples. A sprinkle of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts over the top before baking would add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor for adult palates.

For serving, a simple drizzle of warm maple syrup is classic, but you could also offer a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a side of fruit compote. This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a more substantial meal. It’s perfect for a relaxed family breakfast, a holiday brunch, or even a casual potluck where everyone can grab a stick and enjoy.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can help you achieve perfect results every time.

• Soggy Bread: The most common issue is soggy French toast. This usually happens if the bread is too fresh or if it’s over-soaked. Using day-old bread helps, as it’s drier and absorbs the custard better without falling apart. Don’t let the bread sit in the egg mixture for more than 10-15 minutes.
• Dry French Toast: On the flip side, if your French toast is too dry, it might be due to under-soaking or baking too long at too high a temperature. Ensure every piece of bread is thoroughly coated with the egg mixture and keep an eye on the oven; adjust baking time as needed.
• Uneven Baking: If some parts are golden and others are still pale, your oven might have hot spots. Rotating the baking dish halfway through the cooking time can help ensure even browning.
• Apples Not Tender: If your apples are still too firm after baking, they might have been cut too large or the oven temperature wasn’t quite right. Ensure apples are diced into small, uniform pieces (about 1/2-inch) so they cook through at the same rate as the French toast.
• Sticking to the Dish: Always remember to generously grease your baking dish. This prevents the French toast from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This apple cinnamon French toast casserole is fantastic for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers, making your mornings even easier.

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer any remaining French toast sticks to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

For reheating, individual portions can be warmed in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, though this might make them a little softer. For best results, reheat in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you have a couple of options. You can assemble the entire casserole, including soaking the bread and adding the apples, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply remove it from the fridge about 20-30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, you can bake the casserole completely, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat as described above when you’re ready to serve.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche or challah?

Yes, you can! While brioche or challah offer a richer flavor and texture, a sturdy white sandwich bread or Texas toast will work just fine. Just make sure it’s day-old so it absorbs the custard well without getting too soggy.

What kind of apples are best for baking?

Firm, sweet-tart apples like Fuji, Gala, Honey

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.