Caramel Apple Breakfast Bake (Printable)
Fluffy bread with apples and decadent caramel, ideal for cozy brunch or morning indulgence.
# Ingredient List:
→ Bread Base
01 - 8 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed (about 1 loaf)
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Apples
10 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Caramel Sauce
14 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
15 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
16 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
17 - Pinch of salt
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until apples become tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until smooth and fully incorporated.
04 - Arrange cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the cooked apples over the bread layer.
05 - Pour egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Lightly press down so the bread absorbs the liquid.
06 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in 3/4 cup brown sugar and a pinch of salt; cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in 1/4 cup heavy cream until smooth.
07 - Drizzle prepared caramel sauce evenly over the assembled casserole.
08 - Transfer dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and custard is set in the center.
09 - Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Optionally, finish with extra caramel or a light dusting of powdered sugar prior to serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Uses basic pantry ingredients and fresh apples for seasonal comfort
- Perfect for prepping ahead dreamy for holidays or lazy Sundays
- Brioche makes the casserole extra soft with just the right richness
02 -
- High in cozy carbs and flavor while being vegetarian friendly
- Easily adaptable for gluten free diets by swapping in your favorite GF loaf
- Prep the night before for no morning stress on special days
03 -
- Do not skip letting the bread soak for a few minutes before baking the custard will be more even
- Toast your bread cubes lightly before assembling if starting with very fresh bread for better absorption
- Always let the bake sit out after removing from the oven the structure sets better and slices more cleanly