Hey there, Jason Griffith here! There are few things in this world as comforting and delicious as a warm, gooey apple fritter. Today, I’m taking all those amazing flavors and turning them into a super-easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole. This Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole is a game-changer. It combines the soft, sweet bread, the tender apples, and the warm cinnamon spice you love in a fritter, but it’s all baked up in one convenient dish. It’s the perfect sweet treat for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just when you’re craving something special to start your day.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is the perfect solution for a special morning meal that doesn’t require a ton of effort. The base is made with canned biscuit dough, which is a brilliant shortcut. You just chop it up, toss it with some cinnamon sugar, and layer it with the spiced apples. The magic happens in the oven as everything bakes together into a golden, bubbly, and fragrant casserole. The simple vanilla glaze drizzled over the top is the perfect finishing touch. It’s sweet, comforting, and has all the best flavors of a classic apple fritter without all the frying. For another simple and delicious breakfast idea, you should also check out my recipe for a chocolate chip banana bread.
Ingredients
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Swaps and Notes
- Apples: I like to use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the dish. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples would also work wonderfully.
- Biscuit Dough: Canned refrigerated biscuits are a fantastic shortcut. You can also use canned cinnamon rolls, but be aware it will make the casserole much sweeter.
- Glaze: You can adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner one. Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or a little maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Mix-Ins: You can add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch, or a few raisins for a different texture.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
- Prepare the Casserole: Cut the biscuit dough into small, bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the biscuit pieces with the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated. Add the chopped apples and toss to combine.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit pieces are golden brown and cooked through and the apples are tender.
- Make the Glaze: While the casserole is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the top and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Grease the Pan Well: This is a sweet and sticky casserole, so make sure your pan is well-greased to prevent it from sticking.
- Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on the casserole. You want the biscuit pieces to be golden brown, not burnt.
- Let it Cool: Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes before adding the glaze and serving is a good idea. It will be very hot, and the glaze will set nicely.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions.
- Serve it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet and savory contrast.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would be a fantastic addition.
- Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, or for a crispier top, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re looking for more delicious breakfast and snack ideas, check out some of my other favorites:
- One-Pan Breakfast Bake: A delicious and easy one-pan breakfast that’s perfect for a weekend morning.
- Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Perfect for when you’re craving some fall flavor, no matter the time of year.
- 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies: My ultimate morning time-saver for a healthy and quick breakfast.
- Caramel Apple Nachos: A fun and quick fall dessert trick that’s always a hit.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dessert in a new, easy-to-make form. It’s a comforting, sweet, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a new favorite in your kitchen. As always, I’d love to hear from you, so leave a comment below with your thoughts and any fun twists you tried. Happy baking!
Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole: A Sweet and Easy Morning Treat
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Add the cubed bread and chopped apples to the egg mixture, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture, and gently fold until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- While the casserole is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar with a little milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm casserole before serving.
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