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Ultra close-up macro of bubbling golden baked apple french toast casserole with caramelized apples and pecans
Roberto Tighe

Baked Apple French Toast Casserole

Golden buttery brioche cubes soaked in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard, layered with tender caramelized apples, and crowned with a crunchy brown sugar pecan streusel. An easy make-ahead breakfast casserole that bakes into pure autumn comfort.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Fall Seasonal
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

Caramelized Apple Layer
  • 4 large apples peeled and sliced
  • 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Brioche Bread & Spiced Custard
  • 1 lb brioche bread cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 ¾ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Crispy Pecan Streusel Topping
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoon cold unsalted butter cubed

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish generously with butter. Spread half of the cubed brioche bread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until apples are slightly tender and coated in a glossy caramel sauce. Spoon the caramelized apples over the bottom layer of bread, then top with the remaining brioche cubes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until completely smooth and frothy.
  4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the brioche and apples, gently pressing down on the top bread cubes with a spatula so every piece absorbs the liquid. Let sit for 20 minutes (or cover and refrigerate overnight).
  5. Prepare the streusel: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Work the cold butter cubes into the mixture with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until crumbly and pea-sized. Scatter evenly over the casserole.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 38 to 42 minutes, until golden brown, puffed in the center, and a knife inserted comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with warm pure maple syrup, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 9gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 3gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1.8mg

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