Description

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a delightful and comforting breakfast dish featuring tender brioche bread soaked in a rich custard with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, layered with sweet diced apples. Slow-baked to golden perfection, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal make-ahead brunch option that can be served with powdered sugar and maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Mixture

6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar (divided)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Main Ingredients

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

For Serving

Powdered sugar, for topping
Maple syrup, for serving

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Cut the brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes and spread them out to dry slightly. Peel and dice the apples into medium-small pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the casserole.
Make Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, half of the brown sugar (1/4 cup), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
Assemble Layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Begin by layering half of the brioche bread cubes evenly at the bottom, followed by half of the diced apples, then sprinkle 1/4 cup brown sugar evenly over the top. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread cubes, apples, and brown sugar.
Pour and Add Butter: Carefully pour the prepared custard mixture over the layered bread and apples, pressing down gently with a spatula or your hands to help the bread soak up the custard. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top to add richness and help with browning.
Refrigerate to Soak: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This resting period allows the brioche to fully absorb the custard for a creamy texture.
Preheat and Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking 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 to 10 minutes after baking to allow it to firm up slightly. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top for a sweet finish.

Notes

For crunchier apples, consider using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties that hold their shape well when baked.
Make ahead option: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate to save time in the morning.
Ensure the brioche is slightly stale or dried to absorb the custard better and avoid sogginess.
To make it dairy-free, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.