Description

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast dish perfect for a cozy morning. It combines soft brioche bread cubes with sweet diced apples, infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, soaked in a rich custard, and baked to golden perfection. Topped with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup, it’s a delightful treat that serves 12 and is great for holiday brunches or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Casserole

1 loaf (14 oz) brioche bread, cubed into 1-inch pieces
2 medium apples, peeled and diced

Custard Mixture

6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar (plus additional 1/4 cup for layering)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping

2 tablespoons butter, melted
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Maple syrup, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Cut the brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes and allow it to sit out for a short time to dry slightly. Peel and dice the apples into small pieces for layering.
Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined and smooth.
Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Layer half of the brioche cubes evenly on the bottom, then sprinkle half of the diced apples and 1/4 cup brown sugar over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread cubes, apples, and the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar.
Soak Bread: Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and apples, pressing gently to ensure the bread fully absorbs the custard. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak fully in the custard flavors.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover it, and bake it covered with foil for 30 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking 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 the surface with powdered sugar and drizzle generously with maple syrup before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

Allowing the brioche bread to dry slightly helps it absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
The casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best texture after baking.
Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste preference.
Serve with additional maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream if desired.