Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Easy Cranberry Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 13 reviews

This Easy Cranberry Apple French Toast Casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that combines tender sautéed apples, fresh cranberries, and a rich egg custard soaked into cubed bread, all topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting, fruity twist on classic French toast casserole that’s ideal for holidays or weekend gatherings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Apples:

  • 3 large apples, peeled, cored & diced
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

For the French Toast Casserole:

  • 1 large loaf of bread (16 oz.), cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ⅛ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Streusel:

  • 8 Tbsp cold butter
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • ⅔ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Sauté the apples: Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced apples, maple syrup, and cinnamon, stirring to combine. Cook the apples until just tender, about 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Whisk the egg batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, then whisk thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Assemble the casserole: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or grease it with butter. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom. Layer half of the sautéed apples and fresh cranberries over the bread. Pour half the egg batter evenly over the layers. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread, apples, and cranberries, then pour the remaining egg batter to cover all the bread pieces.
  4. Refrigerate: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. The longer it soaks, the more custard-like the casserole becomes.
  5. Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Incorporate the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed bag and keep chilled until ready to bake.
  6. Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil from the dish and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and toasted, and the casserole is cooked through.
  7. Serve: Slice the casserole and serve warm with additional maple syrup if desired.

Notes

  • For best flavor, let the casserole soak overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Use a sturdy bread like challah or brioche for a richer texture.
  • Fresh cranberries add tartness but can be substituted with dried cranberries soaked briefly in warm water.
  • The cinnamon streusel topping adds a delightful crunchy texture contrast.
  • Make sure the butter for the streusel is cold to achieve the crumbly texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/easy-cranberry-apple-french-toast-casserole-recipe/