What is Caramel Apple Streusel Breakfast Bake?
The Caramel Apple Streusel Breakfast Bake is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines the rich flavors of fall, featuring warm apples, soft bread, and a crumbly streusel topping. It’s a fusion of apple pie and French toast casserole, making it perfect for chilly mornings or a holiday breakfast. The soft, custardy bread soaked in a spiced egg custard, paired with caramelized apples and finished with a crunchy streusel topping, creates a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The addition of gooey caramel sauce drizzled on top makes it the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch treat.
Origin of the Recipe
This recipe is a delicious variation on classic breakfast bakes and French toast casseroles, which have long been a favorite for leisurely mornings. The Caramel Apple Streusel Breakfast Bake adds a seasonal twist by incorporating apples and caramel, making it ideal for fall. The combination of baked bread, spiced apples, and caramel has been a popular flavor pairing in pies and desserts for generations, and this recipe brings it to life in a more filling, breakfast-friendly form. The recipe has been adapted for ease and flavor, becoming a go-to for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 1 day-old French bread loaf or brioche (about 10 cups cubed)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or more milk)
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Apple Layer:
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For Serving:
- Warm caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Optional: powdered sugar, whipped cream, or vanilla yogurt
Step-by-Step Directions & Preparation Method
1. Prep the Bread & Custard
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the bake doesn’t stick.
- Evenly layer the cubed bread (French or brioche) in the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This will create a spiced custard that gives the bake its rich, custardy texture.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is soaked. Gently press down to ensure even coverage.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, for the bread to absorb the custard and develop a richer flavor.
2. Cook the Apples
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook the apples for 5–7 minutes until they soften and become tender, allowing the sugar and cinnamon to caramelize into a delicious syrup.
- Spoon the caramelized apples evenly over the soaked bread mixture, ensuring every bite will have a generous helping of spiced apples.
3. Make the Streusel
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter with a fork or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. This creates the streusel topping that will add crunch and texture to the bake.
- Evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture over the apple layer.
4. Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the bake cool slightly before serving, allowing the flavors to settle.
5. Serve
- Drizzle generously with warm caramel sauce for a sweet and gooey finish.
- Optionally, top with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a spoonful of vanilla yogurt for extra richness.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, fall-inspired flavors!
Variations
- Overnight version: If you prefer to prep this dish ahead of time, you can assemble the bake without the streusel and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply add the streusel and bake fresh.
- Healthier option: To make the recipe a bit lighter, try using whole-grain bread instead of white bread, and swap out half of the cream for almond milk or another non-dairy milk.
- Add nuts: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel mixture before baking. The nuts will add a lovely crunch and a toasted flavor.
- Caramel shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making your own. Alternatively, melt caramel candies with a splash of cream to create a quick homemade caramel sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Caramel Apple Streusel Breakfast Bake
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While French bread or brioche work wonderfully for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of bread such as challah, sourdough, or even a hearty whole-wheat bread for a different twist.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream in place of milk and heavy cream. You can also swap the butter for a dairy-free version to make it fully dairy-free.
Can I freeze the Caramel Apple Streusel Breakfast Bake?
Yes, you can freeze this breakfast bake either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, simply assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Conclusion: Caramel Apple Streusel Breakfast Bake
The Caramel Apple Streusel Breakfast Bake is the perfect way to start your day with the cozy, comforting flavors of fall. With soft bread soaked in a spiced custard, caramelized apples, and a crunchy streusel topping, every bite is an indulgent treat. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a weekend breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The addition of warm caramel sauce makes it extra decadent, but you can also adjust it to suit your preferences with a few variations. Try making it the night before for an even easier breakfast or use healthier substitutes to fit your dietary needs. Either way, it’s a dish that will leave everyone coming back for more!
