Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole Recipe combines buttery croissants, cinnamon apples, a rich custard, and a sweet vanilla icing for a warm, crowd-pleasing breakfast bake.
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Servings: 10
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 6 to 7 baked croissants cubed
- 1/2 c heavy cream
- 1/2 c applesauce
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Mixture
- 4 large apples peeled and diced
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1 c brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Icing
- 1/2 c powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the oven and baking dish.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the croissants.
- Place the cubed croissants in the prepared baking dish and spread them into an even layer. Set aside.
Cook the apple mixture.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Add the diced apples and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples begin to soften.
Thicken the apple mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water until fully dissolved. Stir this mixture into the apples. Add the lemon juice and stir until incorporated. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Prepare the custard mixture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
Assemble the casserole.
- Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the croissant layer in the baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the top.
Bake the casserole.
- Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top.
Prepare the icing.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Finish and serve.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes after baking. Drizzle the icing over the top before serving.
Notes
To make this Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole Recipe gluten free, substitute the croissants with gluten-free croissants or gluten-free brioche-style bread. Confirm that the applesauce, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and cornstarch are certified gluten free, as some brands may contain additives or be processed in shared facilities. The texture may be slightly different depending on the gluten-free bread used, but the casserole should still bake up rich, soft, and flavorful.