Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole

Golden, buttery croissants meet the warm embrace of cinnamon-spiced apples in this Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole — a dish that tastes like a cozy autumn morning baked into a pan.

The tender, custard-soaked bread soaks up the rich flavors of caramelized apples, while a sweet drizzle of icing ties everything together.

Perfect for sharing at brunch, holidays, or any moment that calls for comfort and a touch of indulgence.

Why People Will Love This Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole:

Bakery-Style Indulgence at Home – Delivers the nostalgic flavor of a warm apple fritter without needing to leave your kitchen.

Comfort in Every Bite – Combines soft, custard-soaked croissants with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples for a soul-warming experience.

Perfect for Sharing – Bakes in one dish, making it ideal for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or potluck gatherings.

Irresistible Aroma – Fills your home with the cozy scent of caramelized apples, cinnamon, and vanilla as it bakes.

A Dessert Disguised as Breakfast – Sweet enough to satisfy dessert cravings, yet hearty enough to start your day in style.

Key Ingredients:

Flaky Croissants – Buttery layers that soak up the rich custard, creating a tender yet slightly crisp base.

Fresh Apples – Juicy, diced apples infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized brown sugar for a warm, spiced sweetness.

Rich Custard – A velvety blend of heavy cream, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla that binds the casserole with creamy indulgence.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Classic spices that evoke the comforting flavor of fresh-baked apple fritters.

Sweet Vanilla Icing – A silky drizzle that crowns the casserole with bakery-style charm.

Expert Tips:

Use Day-Old Croissants – Slightly stale croissants absorb the custard better, preventing a soggy texture and enhancing flavor.

Choose a Sweet-Tart Apple Mix – Combine varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and bright tang.

Cook the Apples Just Right – Soften them until tender but not mushy, so they hold their shape through baking.

Let the Custard Soak In – After assembling, allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes before baking so every croissant cube is luxuriously saturated.

Warm the Icing Before Drizzling – A slightly warm glaze flows more smoothly, coating the casserole in a glossy, bakery-perfect finish.

Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

Main Casserole:

6–7 baked croissants, cut into bite-sized cubes

½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

½ cup (120 ml) applesauce

3 large eggs

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Apple Mixture:

4 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced

5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter

1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1½ teaspoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Icing:

½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven & Prepare Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Layer the Croissants

Cut baked croissants into cubes and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Cook the Apple Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter.

Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth.

Add the diced apples and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften.

Mexican Pinto Beans (Frijoles de la Olla)

Texas Roadhouse Steak

Hatch Red Chile Stew

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until lump-free, then stir this slurry into the apples.

Add lemon juice, mix well, and remove from heat.

Prepare the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.

Assemble the Casserole

Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the croissant cubes.

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the top, ensuring all the bread is moistened.

Bake

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Make the Icing

While the casserole bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth.

Finish & Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the icing over the top before serving.

Enjoy warm for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Important Notes When Making Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole:

Baking Dish Size Matters – A 9×13-inch dish ensures even baking and the right custard-to-bread ratio.

Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice – Its subtle acidity brightens the apple filling and balances the sweetness.

Watch the Bake Time Closely – Overbaking can dry out the custard, while underbaking leaves the center too wet; aim for a just-set center.

Adjust Sweetness to Taste – If your apples are very sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.

Serve Warm for Best Texture – The contrast between the soft custard, tender apples, and warm icing is at its peak straight from the oven.

How To Enjoy This Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole After Cooking:

Let It Rest Briefly – After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes so the custard sets and flavors meld.

Drizzle Generously with Icing – While still warm, pour the vanilla icing over the top, letting it seep into the nooks and crannies for extra sweetness.

Serve While Warm – Cut into squares or spoon out portions while it’s still cozy and aromatic; the texture is best when the croissants are slightly crisp on the edges and tender inside.

Pair with the Right Beverage – Enjoy with hot coffee, spiced tea, or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.

Add a Fresh Element – A handful of fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream can add brightness and contrast.

Enjoy in Good Company – This casserole is meant for sharing—serve it family-style for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert centerpiece.

Reheat with Care – If enjoying later, warm slices in the oven at a low temperature to restore crisp edges without drying out the custard.

Nutrition Information

For one serving of Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole (based on 12 servings):

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes. Assemble the casserole (without baking) the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking. This helps the custard soak in fully.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

A mix of sweet and tart varieties—like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith—gives the best balance of flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the baked casserole?

Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through.

How do I keep the croissants from becoming too soggy?

Use day-old croissants, and don’t skip the 10–15 minute resting time before baking to let the custard absorb evenly without oversaturation.

Can I make this recipe less sweet?

Absolutely. Reduce the brown sugar in the apple mixture to ¾ cup or use unsweetened applesauce in the custard for a lighter sweetness.

Should I peel the apples before cooking them?

Yes. Peeling ensures a tender, smooth texture in the apple filling and avoids tough skins disrupting the custard’s creaminess.

Can I use store-bought apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

You can, but fresh apples provide better texture and flavor. If using canned filling, reduce added sugar and skip the cornstarch mixture.

Do I need to toast the croissants before using them?

Not if they’re already slightly stale. However, toasting fresh croissants for a few minutes in the oven will help prevent sogginess.

How can I tell when the casserole is fully baked?

The top should be golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a slight custard cling.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes. Use two 9×13-inch pans instead of one large pan to ensure even baking. Rotate pans halfway through for consistent results.