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When it comes to breakfast or brunch gatherings, few dishes can rival the charm and comfort of a Baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. This delightful dish brings together the warm, inviting flavors of baked apples and aromatic cinnamon, creating a symphony of taste that is sure to please a crowd. Whether you are hosting a holiday brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a cozy family meal, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food, making it a favorite for many.

Baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Start your day off right with a Baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole that’s perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family meals. This delightful dish combines sweet baked apples and aromatic cinnamon, making it a favorite for any occasion. Easy to prepare and ideal for serving a crowd, you'll love how this casserole brings warmth and comfort to your breakfast table. Impress your family and friends with every delicious, custardy bite. Enjoy the nostalgia and flavors that make each gathering special!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and diced

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Butter, for greasing the baking dish

Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use butter to generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring it is well coated to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Bread: Place the cubes of brioche or challah bread into a large mixing bowl. For best results, allow the bread to sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry slightly. This step helps the casserole maintain its shape during baking and enhances the overall texture.

      Create the Egg Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything together vigorously until the mixture is fully blended and smooth.

        Combine Ingredients: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes in the large bowl, ensuring every piece of bread gets coated. Gently fold in the diced apples and, if you’re including them, the chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

          Let it Soak: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow the mixture to soak for at least 30 minutes, though overnight is ideal. This soaking time enables the bread to absorb the custard and marry the flavors beautifully.

            Bake: After soaking, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. The casserole is done when the custard has set and the top is beautifully golden brown. If you notice it browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

              Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm, drizzled generously with maple syrup and, if desired, a light dusting of powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes | Serves 8-10

                  - Presentation Tips: For a beautiful presentation, serve the slices on individual plates and top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon before drizzling with maple syrup. Consider garnishing with a few apple wedges or a sprig of mint for color.