Save to Pinterest This indulgent Caramel Apple Breakfast Bake is the answer for cozy mornings when you want something special without a lot of fuss. Think tender cinnamon apples, rich caramel, and custardy bread all baked together for a brunch dish that smells like a bakery and tastes like dessert for breakfast.
My family fights for the last piece at the brunch table and the aroma alone has everyone hovering near the oven before it is even done baking. This recipe quickly became our autumn tradition after a chilly apple-picking trip years ago.
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah bread cubed 8 cups: choose a loaf with a rich tender crumb for extra flavor and texture
- Large eggs 4: these help set the custard making the bake fluffy and cohesive
- Whole milk and heavy cream 1 and a half cups plus a half cup: these add creaminess and guarantee a custard that is not dry
- Granulated sugar one third cup: for gentle sweetness in the custard
- Vanilla extract one teaspoon: boosts warmth and aroma use good quality vanilla for the best flavor
- Ground cinnamon one half teaspoon and nutmeg one quarter teaspoon: for cozy spice notes that pair perfectly with apples
- Salt one quarter teaspoon: brightens up all the flavors
- Apples three medium: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and bring that sweet-tart bite choose firm apples for best results
- Unsalted butter two tablespoons for sautéing apples and half cup for the caramel sauce: it delivers richness and a beautiful glaze
- Brown sugar two tablespoons for apples and three quarters cup for caramel: adds deeper sweetness and color
- Heavy cream one quarter cup stirred into caramel: makes it velvety soft
- Pinch of salt: makes the caramel sauce sing and balances the sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Bring your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish thoroughly so nothing sticks. This ensures easy serving and golden edges.
- Make the Apple Layer:
- Peel core and dice your apples into uniform pieces. Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet on medium heat. Add apples brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook while stirring for five to seven minutes. The apples should soften and become slightly caramelized without going mushy. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a big mixing bowl whisk eggs until well blended. Pour in whole milk heavy cream granulated sugar vanilla cinnamon nutmeg and salt. Whisk again so the mixture is smooth and spices are fully incorporated. This forms the creamy base for your bake.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Arrange the cubed brioche evenly across the prepared dish. Scatter cooked apples on top making sure every scoop gets plenty of fruit. Pour the custard mixture gently and evenly over everything and use the back of a spoon to press the bread into the liquid. Let it soak for two to three minutes so each bite is custardy.
- Cook the Caramel Sauce:
- While the bake soaks melt half a cup of butter in a small saucepan. Add the brown sugar and a pinch of salt letting everything bubble on medium heat for two to three minutes until it is shiny and smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the heavy cream. The sauce will become thick and luxurious.
- Top and Bake:
- Drizzle the rich caramel sauce all over the casserole making sure it seeps into the nooks. Bake uncovered for forty to forty five minutes. The top should turn golden with bubbling edges and the center should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let your breakfast bake cool for at least ten minutes before cutting in. This allows the custard to finish setting and makes serving cleaner. For extra decadence drizzle more caramel or dust with powdered sugar right before serving.
Save to Pinterest Brioche is my own secret favorite ingredient here. Its buttery pull makes every bite feel so celebratory. I once brought this to a family brunch thinking I would have leftovers but everyone insisted on seconds and I left with an empty casserole dish and a bunch of requests for the recipe.
Storage Tips
Cover leftovers tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Warm individual slices in the microwave for thirty seconds or reheat the whole pan in the oven at three hundred degrees until hot throughout. This bake also tastes delicious cold straight from the fridge.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use any sturdy bakery style bread if brioche or challah are not available. For a dairy free version swap the milk and cream with oat or almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter. Try pears instead of apples for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with strong coffee or chai for comforting brunch vibes. Add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to each plate. For a truly indulgent table set out extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
Cultural Background
Baked French toast casseroles have roots in American brunch culture where overnight breakfast bakes became popular for feeding a crowd. Adding apples and caramel brings in a fall carnival feel and mimics classic caramel apple treats.
Seasonal Adaptations
Substitute pears or cranberries for the apples during winter holidays Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for a fall twist Swap in peaches or berries for a summer take
Success Stories
This recipe has made several appearances on Christmas morning and birthday breakfasts with great success. Friends have told me it turned them into apple bake fans even when they were not big on sweet breakfasts. It is a go to for potlucks because it travels and reheats so well.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze prepare the casserole up through adding the custard and cooled apples then wrap tightly and freeze unbaked for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge then proceed with caramel and baking the next morning as directed.
Save to Pinterest Eat a warm slice surrounded by friends or family and watch it disappear in minutes. This bake is sure to become everyone’s new seasonal favorite. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different apples?
Yes, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples all work well for balanced flavor and texture.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free loaf for a delicious alternative.
- → What can I add for extra crunch?
Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds over the casserole before baking for more texture.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
The bake can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- → What drink pairs well with this dish?
Coffee, spiced chai, or a light fruit juice complement the sweet and rich flavors beautifully.
- → Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute plant-based milk and cream, and use a dairy-free butter for the sauce.