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To make this Apple Pie French Toast Casserole, gather these simple items: - 1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2-3 medium apples) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) - Powdered sugar for dusting - Maple syrup for serving Accurate measurements ensure your casserole turns out great. Use dry measuring cups for the sugar and flour. Liquid measuring cups work best for milk, cream, and eggs. When measuring brown sugar, pack it firmly into the cup. This method gives you the right sweetness. Remember to peel and core your apples before dicing them. This step keeps the texture nice and even. You can mix things up with these swaps: - Brioche Bread: Use challah or even French bread for a different taste. - Whole Milk: Substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a lighter option. - Heavy Cream: Swap in coconut cream for a dairy-free version. - Brown Sugar: Use maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener. - Apples: Try pears or peaches instead of apples for a unique flavor. - Pecans: Walnuts or almonds can add a nice crunch as well. These substitutions keep your dish delicious while allowing for personal flavor preferences. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly. In a big bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix them well until they blend into a smooth mix. Next, grab another bowl. Toss the diced apples with lemon juice. This keeps them fresh and bright. Now, add the cubed brioche bread and the apple mix to the egg mix. Fold gently so the bread gets coated. If you like a little crunch, fold in the chopped pecans. Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a golden top and a set casserole. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it set more. Slice the casserole into pieces. Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup for that sweet finish. Enjoy this warm, either in the dish or on a serving platter! To get the best texture in your casserole, use brioche bread. It soaks up the egg mixture well. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Let the bread sit in the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps it absorb the flavors fully. If you want a crisp top, bake it uncovered for the last 15 minutes. You’ll get a nice golden crust that contrasts with the soft inside. One common mistake is not using enough eggs. Eggs help bind the bread and apple mix. Another issue is overcooking the casserole. Keep an eye on the time, and check for a golden top. Be careful not to use too many apples. They can make the dish too wet. If you use too much lemon juice on the apples, it can overpower the dish. Just a tablespoon is enough to keep them fresh. Serve the casserole warm for the best taste. If you want to impress, dust it with powdered sugar. A drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness. You can also add whipped cream on top for a rich finish. For a crunchier bite, sprinkle some chopped pecans. This adds a nice texture and pairs well with the apples. Serve straight from the baking dish or on a platter for a family style meal. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use day-old brioche bread. It will absorb the egg mixture better and hold its shape during baking. Mix in Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of ginger or allspice to the egg mixture. This will give your casserole an extra layer of warmth and spice. Let It Soak: If time allows, cover the assembled casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. This will help the bread soak up the custard for a creamier texture. Serve with Toppings: Elevate your presentation by serving with a dollop of whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top of each slice. {{image_2}} You can mix up the flavors in your Apple Pie French Toast Casserole. Try adding spices like ginger or cardamom for a warm twist. You can also use different extracts, like almond or maple, instead of vanilla. For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the egg mixture. This adds a rich layer that pairs well with apples. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. Look for dense varieties to hold up during baking. For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use almond milk and coconut cream instead of whole milk and heavy cream. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty without any animal products. While apples are the star, you can switch things up with other fruits. Pears offer a sweet, juicy option with a similar texture. You can also use berries like blueberries or raspberries for a burst of color. For a tropical twist, try diced pineapple or mango. Each fruit brings its own flavor and charm to the casserole. Once you finish your Apple Pie French Toast Casserole, let it cool. Then, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for about three days. If you plan to eat it soon, you can leave it in the baking dish, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. If the casserole is in the baking dish, cover it with foil. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until it's warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat individual portions for about 30 to 45 seconds. Just check to make sure it's hot all the way through. You can freeze this casserole for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can last up to three months. To eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat as mentioned above. The best bread for French toast casserole is brioche. This bread is soft and rich. It absorbs the egg mixture well. You can also use challah or French bread. They both work nicely, too. Just cut the bread into 1-inch cubes for even baking. Yes, you can make it ahead of time! Prepare the casserole the night before. Just mix the bread, egg mixture, and apples. Cover it and place it in the fridge. Bake it the next morning. This saves time for busy mornings or special brunches. You will know it is done when the top is golden brown. The edges should look set, and the center should not jiggle. You can insert a knife in the middle. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting. This blog post covers all you need for a great Apple Pie French Toast Casserole. We listed key ingredients and offered handy measurement tips. You learned how to prep, bake, and add those final touches. Our tips helped ensure the perfect texture and avoid common mistakes. We explored fun variations and dietary options for everyone. Lastly, we covered storage and reheating methods. With this guide, you can create a tasty dish that delights all. Enjoy the sweet experience of making this easy and delicious casserole.

Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

A delicious and comforting casserole that combines the flavors of apple pie and French toast, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 2 heavy cream
  • 1 2 brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 4 ground nutmeg
  • 1 4 salt
  • 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • for dusting powdered sugar
  • for serving maple syrup

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
  • In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Add the cubed brioche bread and diced apples to the egg mixture, folding gently until the bread is well coated and the apples are evenly distributed. If using, fold in the chopped pecans for added crunch.
  • Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
  • Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Dust with powdered sugar before serving and drizzle with maple syrup for an extra treat.

Notes

Serve warm with powdered sugar and maple syrup for an extra treat.
Keyword apple, breakfast, casserole, French toast