Caramel Apple Breakfast Bake (Printable Version)
Tender apples, fluffy bread, and caramel sauce create a cozy morning bake, perfect for leisurely brunches.
# What You'll Need:
→ Bread Base
01 - 8 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed (approximately 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 (recommended: 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 salt
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add diced apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; cook, stirring, for 5 to 7 minutes until apples are tender. Remove from heat.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
04 - Spread cubed bread evenly into the prepared baking dish. Distribute the cooked apples over the bread.
05 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread soak up the liquid.
06 - In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 3/4 cup brown sugar and a pinch of salt; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in 1/4 cup heavy cream until fully blended.
07 - Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the entire casserole.
08 - Transfer to oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
09 - Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm; optionally top with extra caramel sauce or powdered sugar.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses easy-to-find ingredients and comes together quickly
- Perfect for prepping the night before for fuss-free mornings
- Crowd-pleaser for brunch or holiday gatherings
- The caramel sauce bakes into the bread for rich, irresistible flavor
02 -
- High in comforting flavors and fiber from apples
- Feeds a group and still tastes great as leftovers
03 -
- Always use day-old bread cubes for the best texture as they will soak up more custard without falling apart
- Do not rush the caramel sauce Whisk until every grain of sugar melts for the smoothest drizzle If prepping ahead cover and chill the casserole overnight The flavors will blend even more deeply and it is ready to bake right from the fridge