Description
This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast bake featuring cinnamon-spiced custard soaked brioche bread cubes layered with fresh apples. The casserole is baked until golden and tender, then topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup for a sweet and cozy start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf (14 oz) brioche bread, cubed
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
Custard Mixture
- 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
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for topping
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Bread and Apples: Cut the brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes and let it sit out to dry slightly, which helps it absorb the custard better. Peel and dice the apples into medium-sized pieces.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of the brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the brioche cubes evenly on the bottom, then scatter half of the diced apples on top. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of brown sugar evenly over the apples. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread cubes, apples, and the last 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
- Soak Casserole: Pour the prepared custard over the layered bread and apples, gently pressing down to ensure the bread soaks up the custard mixture. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top layer.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes after baking. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top for a sweet finish.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old brioche or allow fresh bread cubes to dry out slightly before assembling.
- Apples can be substituted with pears or peaches for a different fruit variation.
- Covering the casserole while baking helps keep moisture in and prevents the top from browning too quickly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute whole milk with a plant-based milk and butter with a vegan alternative.
