Best Apple Raisin French Toast Casserole Recipes

Apple raisin French toast casserole is a delicious breakfast dish that consists of French bread, eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, apples and raisins. This dish can be perfect for a special occasion like Christmas morning or can be served on a lazy weekend morning as a treat for your family. The dish is easy to prepare, and the aroma when it's cooking is sure to wake everyone up in the house.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups diced apples
• 1/2 cup raisins

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Spread the bread cubes in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes.
4. Arrange the apple pieces and raisins over the bread cubes and push them down slightly into the mixture.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
7. Take the baking dish out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
8. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon and salt. Use your fingers to crumble the mixture until it resembles coarse sand. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the bread cubes.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the French bread is browned and the casserole is set in the center.
10. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into squares and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Conclusion

Apple raisin French toast casserole is a scrumptious breakfast dish that is perfect for special occasions or a lazy weekend morning. The mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, apples and raisins make the dish flavorful and aromatic. The French bread, infused with the custard-like mixture, is soft and pillowy. The topping adds a sweet and crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of the bread. This dish is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent breakfast experience.

French toast casserole is a delicious and easy breakfast option that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep. One of the most popular variations of this casserole is the apple raisin French toast casserole, which is packed with flavor and is a great balance of sweet and savory. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when making an apple raisin French toast casserole.

Tip 1: Choose The Right Bread

Choosing the right bread is key to making a successful French toast casserole. While you can use any bread you have on hand, it's best to use bread that is slightly stale or has been left out overnight. This way, the bread will be able to soak up the custard without becoming too mushy or falling apart. For an apple raisin French toast casserole, bread with a bit of texture and sweetness pairs well with the apples and raisins. Challah, brioche, and French bread are all great options. You can also consider using cinnamon raisin bread for an extra burst of flavor.

Tip 2: Prepare The Apples Properly

One of the standout ingredients in an apple raisin French toast casserole is, of course, the apples. It's important to prepare the apples properly to ensure that they are cooked through and evenly distributed throughout the casserole. For this recipe, it's best to use apples that are good for baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Peel and dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. You can also add some cinnamon to the apples for extra flavor.

Tip 3: Use The Right Ratio Of Custard Ingredients

The custard mixture is what holds the casserole together and adds flavor and moisture to the dish. It's important to use the right ratio of custard ingredients to get the perfect balance of flavor and texture. For this recipe, a typical custard mixture would include eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and spices. For an apple raisin French toast casserole, you can add a bit of apple juice or apple cider to the custard mixture to enhance the apple flavor.

Tip 4: Allow The Casserole To Soak Overnight

One of the great things about a French toast casserole is that you can prepare it the night before and let it soak overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture and ensures that the casserole is moist and flavorful. When preparing the casserole, make sure all of the bread is submerged in the custard mixture. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, let the casserole come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Tip 5: Bake The Casserole At The Right Temperature

Baking the casserole at the right temperature is important to ensure that the custard sets properly and the bread doesn't burn or become too dry. For an apple raisin French toast casserole, it's best to bake it at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes. Check the casserole at the 30-minute mark and cover it loosely with foil if it’s browning too quickly.

Tip 6: Serve With Maple Syrup And Whipped Cream

An apple raisin French toast casserole is delicious on its own, but serving it with maple syrup and whipped cream takes it to the next level. Drizzle the maple syrup over the top of the casserole and add a dollop of whipped cream to each serving. Alternatively, you can also serve the casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon. And if you want to get really fancy, you can add some chopped nuts or caramel sauce to the mix.

Conclusion

Making an apple raisin French toast casserole is easy and rewarding. By choosing the right bread, preparing the apples properly, using the right ratio of custard ingredients, allowing the casserole to soak overnight, baking it at the right temperature, and serving it with the right accompaniments, you can create a delicious and memorable breakfast dish that will be a hit with family and friends.