Description
Wake up to a warm, flaky Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole bursting with fragrant cinnamon and rich plant-based flavors. This delightful dish combines tender apples, soft baked bread or cinnamon rolls, and just the right amount of sweetness to create a cozy morning treat perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Spices
- 3 cups diced crisp, tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (natural flavoring)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (natural)
Custard Mixture
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Base
- 6 cups bread cubes or cinnamon roll pieces (slightly stale preferred)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- Additional spices: nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with cinnamon and 1/4 cup brown sugar (natural) and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together plant-based milk, melted plant-based butter, vanilla extract (natural), 1 tablespoon brown sugar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and the natural gelling agent until smooth and well combined.
- Layer the Bread: Cut bread or cinnamon rolls into cubes. Place half of the bread cubes evenly in a greased baking dish. Spread half of the cinnamon apple mixture over the bread. Add remaining bread cubes on top.
- Pour Custard and Let Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples, ensuring even soaking. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the flavors.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through, with a slightly crisp top and a soft, custardy interior.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better soaking without sogginess.
- Do not skip soaking to allow flavors to meld deeply.
- Slice apples evenly for balanced baking.
- If adding nuts, toast them beforehand for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help custard mix thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Apple Fritter, Breakfast Casserole, Plant-Based, Cinnamon, Brunch, Vegan
