Saturday, August 30, 2014

Apple Fritter Casserole

It's Labor Day weekend, and that means September has arrived--time for back to school, (slightly) cooler temps, and apples! It doesn't really start to feel like fall here until about November, but I start craving apple recipes just as soon as I see all those shiny, new school supplies.

I love a good apple pie as much as the next guy, and I have some nice recipes for apple cakes, breads and donuts, but this recipe is an interesting combination of all of those. I can't decide if it's breakfast or dessert, so I ate it for both!



Apple Fritter Casserole
Prep time: 20 min  Bake time: 25 min
Serves 12

5 apples, peeled & chopped
6 Tbs butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
2 Tbs water

5 large croissants (about 12 oz)

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup apple butter
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

3/4 cup powdered sugar
4 Tbs heavy cream


Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until completely incorporated. Transfer chopped apples to pan and stir until coated with sugar mixture. Cook for 5 minutes while stirring frequently. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and warm water. Add the cornstarch mixture to apples and continue to cook/stir for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside while prepping the other ingredients. The apples should be soft and the liquid will be a syrup consistency.

Preheat oven to 375°F
Whisk together the heavy cream, apple butter, eggs and cinnamon. Spray 9x11 casserole dish with non-stick spray. Slice the croissants in half across middle. Place the bottom halves of the croissants in an even layer. Pour half of the apple butter/cream mixture over the croissants. Top with half of the caramelized apple mixture. Arrange the croissant tops in an even layer. Top with the remaining cream mixture and apples. Pour all of the syrupy apple mixture over the casserole. Gently press down on the top with a wooden spoon or spatula. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes, or till lightly browned on top.


Mix powdered sugar and heavy cream together with a fork until smooth. Drizzle over the finished casserole.



320 calories per serving.  Click here for more nutritional info and shopping list!