Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish that combines soft brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard with tender diced apples. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a perfect make-ahead recipe that can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning, topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup for a sweet finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 loaf (14 oz) brioche bread, cubed
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Toppings
- Powdered sugar, for topping
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Bread and Apples: Cut the brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes and let them sit out to dry slightly. Peel and dice the apples.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cubed bread, half of the diced apples, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar evenly. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread, apples, and brown sugar.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the layered ingredients, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard. Drizzle the melted butter evenly on top.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak and flavors to meld.
- Bake Covered: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole covered with foil or lid for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the cover and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, allow the brioche bread to dry out slightly before assembling.
- Refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor and better custard absorption.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Make sure to cover the casserole during the initial baking to keep it moist.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
