Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish combining tender brioche bread cubes, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sweet diced apples. Baked to golden perfection and served with powdered sugar and maple syrup, it’s an easy make-ahead recipe perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (part of 1/2 cup divided)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Casserole
- 1 loaf (14 oz) brioche bread, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (part of 1/2 cup divided)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For Serving
- Powdered sugar, for topping
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Bread and Apples: Cut the brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes and allow it to sit out to dry slightly. Peel and dice the apples into small pieces.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the bread cubes, followed by half of the diced apples, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup brown sugar. Repeat with the remaining bread, apples, and brown sugar.
- Add Custard and Butter: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples, pressing gently to help soak the bread. Drizzle the melted butter on top for a rich finish.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving to add sweetness and enhance flavor.
Notes
- For best texture, allow the bread cubes to dry slightly by leaving them out for a few hours or overnight.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight for convenience and better flavor absorption.
- Feel free to substitute brioche with challah or thick-cut white bread if preferred.
- For a dairy-free option, use almond milk instead of whole milk and a dairy-free butter substitute.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
