Save to Pinterest This cozy Caramel Apple Breakfast Bake turns a morning into something more like a celebration. Imagine a bubbling casserole of tender apples nestled among fluffy, custardy cubes of brioche, all finished with a glossy drizzle of homemade caramel. It is my go-to recipe for holiday mornings or when I want my home to smell like a cinnamon-kissed bakery.
I first made this for a Mother's Day brunch, and it was such a hit my sister asked for the recipe on the spot. Now it is the dish everyone requests for family weekends.
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah bread: Cubed for a soft and fluffy base that soaks up all the custard choose a loaf that feels fresh and springy for best results
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness opt for local or organic eggs for a richer flavor
- Whole milk and heavy cream: Combine for a creamy custard whole milk gives body while the extra cream makes every bite indulgent
- Granulated sugar: Lightly sweetens the bread custard use pure cane sugar if possible
- Vanilla extract: Gives aroma and warm sweetness pure vanilla delivers the nicest flavor
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Enhance the breakfast bake with cozy spices try to use freshly ground nutmeg for a boost in fragrance
- Salt: Brings out the flavors a little goes a long way
- Apples: Like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for tender bites that stay juicy when baked Granny Smith are tart and balance the sweetness perfectly
- Unsalted butter: For sautéing apples and making the caramel choose high-quality butter for the richest taste
- Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel and gives apples a toffee-like finish use dark brown sugar if you love more molasses flavor
- Caramel sauce: Made from butter brown sugar and cream for that luscious finish a pinch of salt keeps it from being too sweet
Instructions
- Prep the Pan:
- Grease your 9x13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready when you assemble
- Sauté the Apples:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat then add diced apples brown sugar and cinnamon Cook for about seven minutes stirring often until apples are just tender but not mushy This step lets the apples caramelize and fill your kitchen with cozy aromas
- Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl whisk together eggs milk heavy cream granulated sugar vanilla cinnamon nutmeg and salt Keep whisking until everything is smooth and the spices are evenly distributed so every bite has flavor
- Assemble the Base:
- Add diced bread cubes to your prepared pan Try to gently fluff them up so they are not packed too tightly Scatter the warm sautéed apples evenly over the bread
- Soak the Bread:
- Pour the egg custard evenly over the bread and apples Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to lightly press the bread down so each piece drinks up that creamy mixture This ensures your bake is custardy not dry
- Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a small saucepan melt butter over medium heat Add the brown sugar and a pinch of salt Stir constantly so the sugar dissolves After two to three minutes the mix will look smooth Remove from heat and whisk in heavy cream The caramel will bubble up and thicken to a dreamy pourable sauce
- Finish and Bake:
- Drizzle the caramel sauce all over the casserole Try to cover as much surface as possible so every bite gets a little caramel Bake uncovered for forty to forty-five minutes until the top is golden brown and the center feels firm when pressed gently with a spoon
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for ten minutes This helps the custard set and makes serving easier Spoon onto plates while still warm For extra decadence top with extra caramel or a light dusting of powdered sugar
Save to Pinterest My favorite part is the caramel sauce It turns the edges crisp and toffee-like and always brings up memories of making homemade caramel with my grandmother on chilly mornings
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool to room temperature then cover and refrigerate Enjoy within three days for best texture Warm single portions in the microwave for about forty-five seconds or reheat a whole dish in the oven covered with foil at three hundred and twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit until heated through
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap the brioche or challah with any soft sandwich bread or use a sturdy gluten-free loaf to make it gluten-free If you want a dairy-free version replace the milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based butter Sub in pears or even ripe peaches for the apples when they are in season
Serving Suggestions
Serve this breakfast bake warm, dusted with a touch of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream For extra flair add toasted pecans or walnuts over the top A drizzle of warm caramel or a spoonful of vanilla yogurt on the side tastes wonderful too I love pairing this with strong coffee or spicy chai
Cultural or Historical Context
Breakfast casseroles like this are classic in American holiday brunch spreads Combining bread custard and fruit is inspired by both bread pudding and French toast casserole Traditions like these were made for gathering everyone around one happy table
Seasonal Adaptations
Use fresh cherries or peaches in summer for a lighter version In the fall swap in pumpkin pie spice and add diced pears to the apple mix During winter add dried cranberries and sprinkle the top with an extra pinch of cinnamon before baking
Success Stories
A friend of mine brought this to a potluck and it disappeared before anything else Everyone asked for seconds and a copy of the recipe One reader told me it is now their Christmas morning family tradition
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze, let the assembled but unbaked casserole cool completely then wrap tightly in plastic and foil Freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake the next morning as directed
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this comforting breakfast treat with your loved ones and let those cozy aromas fill your home. Everyone will be asking for seconds and the recipe!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of bread works best for this bake?
Brioche or challah are ideal for their rich, tender texture, but sturdy sandwich bread also works well.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for convenience.
- → What apples should I use?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties are recommended for their flavor and ability to hold shape during baking.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free loaf for the bread component without altering the other steps.
- → Are there any nut-free options?
Skip the optional pecans or walnuts, and ensure your bread and ingredients are free from nut contamination.
- → What can I serve alongside?
Coffee, spiced chai, whipped cream, or vanilla yogurt are excellent accompaniments to this sweet bake.