Apple Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe
This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser with its cozy combo of buttery brioche and cinnamon-spiced apples, making it perfect for a brunch with friends or a cozy Sunday morning treat. I love how it’s incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, letting me savor a slow morning with the irresistible aroma of baking sweetness wafting through the house.
I adore turning breakfast staples into unique dishes, and my Apple Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Casserole certainly fits the bill. Diced apples, warm cinnamon, and fragrant nutmeg make this delightfully rich, yet easy-to-bake breakfast a luxurious way to begin the day.
Combining the richness of brioche, the creaminess of whole and heavy milk, and a just-right blend of granulated and brown sugars, this is a perfect recipe for that cozy fall or winter morning when you want to linger over breakfast.
Ingredients
Brioche Bread:
Carbohydrate-rich, it yields a soft, buttery texture.
Eggs:
Rich in protein, they assist in uniting components and elevating tastes.
Whole Milk:
Imparts creaminess, leads to a more sumptuous custard.
Granulated Sugar:
The base mixture is sweetened; this is crucial for balanced flavor.
Ground Cinnamon:
An aromatic spice, it enhances warmth and depth.
Apples:
Impart natural sweetness, fiber, and a succulent texture.
Brown Sugar:
Delivers a depth reminiscent of molasses and notes of caramel.
Unsalted Butter:
Moisture and rich flavor are the hallmarks of a tender custard.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and very lightly grease a baking dish that measures 9×13 inches.
2. Delegate the cubed brioche bread into the prepared baking dish, where it will be spread evenly throughout.
3. In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until uniform in appearance and well incorporated.
4. Ensure the egg mixture coats the bread cubes completely before pouring. Gently press down on the bread. Let it soak.
5. Distribute the diced apples evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and melted butter and mix until smooth. Drizzle this mixture over the bread and apples.
7. Wrap the dish in a sheet of aluminum foil and allow it to sit for no fewer than 30 minutes. This gives the bread a chance to absorb the liquid. For a more pronounced flavor, you can place the dish in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
8. Preheat the oven. Bake the casserole in the oven that has been set to heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole before placing it in the oven. Let it cook for half an hour.
9. Take off the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
10. Allow it to cool briefly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving it, if desired, with maple syrup.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking dish (9×13 inches)
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Aluminum foil
11. Spoon or spatula (for mixing and spreading)
12. Optional: Sifter or mesh strainer (for dusting powdered sugar)
FAQ
- Can I prepare this casserole in advance?It is possible to prepare the casserole the night before and let it soak in the refrigerator overnight.
- What type of apples should I use?Due to their firm texture and tart flavor, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well.
- Can I use a different type of bread?If brioche is not available, you can use challah or a sturdy white bread.
- Is it necessary to peel the apples?For a smoother texture, peeling is recommended. However, if you like more texture, you can leave the skin on.
- How should leftovers be stored?Leftover food can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. They can be reheated in either the microwave or the oven.
- Can I add nuts to the recipe?Indeed, including walnuts or pecans that have been chopped can bring added texture and flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
Brioche bread: Use instead challah or a soft white bread loaf.
Whole milk: Substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Coconut cream or half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream.
Coconut sugar or honey can be used in place of granulated sugar.
Substitute with pears or peaches for a different fruit flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Use Day-Old Bread: For best results, use day-old brioche bread. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better and holds its shape during baking, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
2. Enhance with Spices: For added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the egg mixture. These spices complement the cinnamon and nutmeg well and give the dish a warm, autumnal feel.
3. Add a Crunchy Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a mixture of chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, on top of the casserole for a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft bread pudding.
4. Use Flavored Extracts: Substitute half of the vanilla extract with almond or rum extract for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.
5. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the sweetness by reducing the granulated sugar in the egg mixture or using honey or maple syrup as a sugar substitute for a different flavor.
Apple Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe
My favorite Apple Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking dish (9×13 inches)
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Aluminum foil
11. Spoon or spatula (for mixing and spreading)
12. Optional: Sifter or mesh strainer (for dusting powdered sugar)
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and very lightly grease a baking dish that measures 9×13 inches.
2. Delegate the cubed brioche bread into the prepared baking dish, where it will be spread evenly throughout.
3. In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until uniform in appearance and well incorporated.
4. Ensure the egg mixture coats the bread cubes completely before pouring. Gently press down on the bread. Let it soak.
5. Distribute the diced apples evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and melted butter and mix until smooth. Drizzle this mixture over the bread and apples.
7. Wrap the dish in a sheet of aluminum foil and allow it to sit for no fewer than 30 minutes. This gives the bread a chance to absorb the liquid. For a more pronounced flavor, you can place the dish in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
8. Preheat the oven. Bake the casserole in the oven that has been set to heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole before placing it in the oven. Let it cook for half an hour.
9. Take off the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
10. Allow it to cool briefly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving it, if desired, with maple syrup.