Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole

Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate cozy morning indulgence. Perfectly baked croissants, sweet cinnamon apples, and a silky custard come together in a dish that’s both comforting and decadent. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just want to treat yourself on a weekend morning, this casserole delivers all the flavors of your favorite apple fritter in a warm, gooey bake. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this is a no-fuss breakfast recipe that feels like a special occasion every time you make it.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole

This Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleaser with its soft croissant base, rich apple filling, and sweet vanilla glaze. It combines the best elements of a pastry and a classic French toast bake, making it both indulgent and practical. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, bakes beautifully, and fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Each bite is filled with tender apples, buttery croissants, and hints of cinnamon and vanilla. It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary mornings into something memorable.

Ingredients

Casserole Base

• 6 to 7 baked croissants, cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup applesauce
• 3 eggs
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Apple Mixture

• 4 large apples, peeled and diced
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Icing

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cube the croissants and spread them evenly in the greased dish. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until smooth.
4. Add the diced apples to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until dissolved. Add to the apple mixture and stir well. Add lemon juice, mix again, then remove from heat.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, applesauce, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon until fully combined.
7. Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the croissant cubes in the baking dish.
8. Pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure all the croissants are well soaked.
9. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.
10. While the casserole cools for about 5 minutes, mix the icing ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the casserole just before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Use day-old croissants for better absorption and texture.
• Be sure to whisk the egg mixture thoroughly to ensure a silky custard.
• For extra decadence, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before baking.
• Let the casserole cool slightly before adding the icing so it doesn’t melt too quickly.

Substitutions And Variations

• Croissants: Substitute with brioche or challah bread for a slightly different flavor.
• Apples: Consider using a combination of tart and sweet varieties, such as Granny Smith paired with Honeycrisp.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a plant-based milk alternative in place of heavy cream.
• Spices: Add ground ginger or allspice for more depth of flavor.
• Add-ins: Incorporate raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts into the apple mixture for added texture.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 300-degree oven for about 15 minutes. For best results, keep the icing separate and drizzle fresh each time you serve.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate breakfast treat. This casserole also pairs well with savory sides like scrambled eggs or bacon. For a brunch buffet, offer fresh fruit and a citrus salad alongside for balance. It can also double as a dessert when topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

What are the best apples to use? A combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples works well. The tartness of Granny Smith balances the sweetness of the bake, while Honeycrisp adds great texture.

Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely. The baked casserole can be frozen for up to two months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to maintain freshness.

How can I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy? Use day-old croissants and avoid over-soaking them. Bake until the custard is fully set and the top is golden brown.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for trying this Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole. I truly hope it brings warmth and joy to your breakfast table. This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my kitchen for its rich apple flavor, ease of preparation, and beautiful presentation. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for any morning. Enjoy every comforting bite and know that you’re part of a community that loves delicious, homemade food. Happy baking and see you next recipe!

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Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole

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• Author: lisa
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole brings together buttery croissants, spiced apples, and sweet glaze in a warm, cozy breakfast bake. It’s easy to make, perfect for brunch or special mornings, and sure to please a crowd.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

6–7 baked croissants, cubed

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup applesauce

3 eggs

½ tsp cinnamon

1½ tsp vanilla extract

Apple Mixture:

4 large apples, peeled and diced

5 tbsp butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

1½ tsp cornstarch

1 tbsp water

1 tsp lemon juice

Icing:

½ cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp heavy cream

½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cube the croissants and spread them evenly in the greased dish. Set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until smooth.
• Add the diced apples to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until dissolved. Add to the apple mixture and stir well. Add lemon juice, mix again, then remove from heat.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, applesauce, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon until fully combined.
• Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the croissant cubes in the baking dish.
• Pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure all the croissants are well soaked.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.
• While the casserole cools for about 5 minutes, mix the icing ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the casserole just before serving.

Notes

Day-old croissants work best for texture.

Try mixing tart and sweet apples for better flavor.

Add nuts or dried fruit for variety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 5g