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Cozy Apple Cinnamon Sourdough French Toast Casserole Recipe with Bourbon Maple Syrup

apple cinnamon sourdough french toast casserole - featured image

A comforting French toast casserole featuring tangy sourdough bread, crisp apples, warm cinnamon, and a rich bourbon maple syrup drizzle. Perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts or holiday brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) sourdough bread, preferably day-old
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (16 fl oz) whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk)
  • 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) heavy cream (can substitute more milk)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) pure maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut sourdough loaf into 1-inch cubes. Peel, core, and thinly slice apples. Toss apples with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, remaining brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Layer half the bread cubes evenly in the dish, then half the apple mixture. Repeat layers with remaining bread and apples.
  4. Pour custard evenly over the casserole, pressing gently to submerge the bread.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until top is golden and custard is set but slightly jiggly. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  7. While baking, warm maple syrup and bourbon in a small saucepan over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
  8. Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and drizzle generously with warm bourbon maple syrup before serving.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale sourdough bread for best soaking and texture. Soaking overnight yields a custardy center, but at least 1 hour is recommended. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil. For a crispier crust, butter the baking dish generously. Bourbon in syrup is optional but adds a smoky sweetness. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and cream and use a vegan egg replacer. Gluten-free bread can be used with adjusted soak time.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, sourdough, apple cinnamon, bourbon maple syrup, cozy breakfast, brunch recipe, easy casserole