Fall French Toast Casserole contains all the flavors you might expect, embracing the sweetest parts of the harvest season! Tart, crisp, jammy apples and notes of smoky maple syrup add new dimensions to the creamy, tangy, custardy taste of the French toast. It’s all baked golden-brown and dusted with confectioners’ sugar, a poetic reminder of the coming snow and an extra touch of sugary goodness! Fall French Toast Casserole is the kind of breakfast that makes you happy summer is over!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
- 12 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup pecans, optional, chopped
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 –Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step 2 –In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Step 3 –Add the apples to the melted butter and cook, stirring often, until just tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 4 –Add the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon and stir to combine.
Step 5 –Cook until the sugar has dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6 –Let the apple mixture cool.
Step 7 –Place a layer of 1/2 of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
Step 8 –Top the bread cubes layer with the cream cheese and 1/2 of the apple mixture in an even layer.
Step 9 –Top the apple mixture with the remaining bread cubes and then the remaining apple mixture.
Step 10 –In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, add the eggs, the milk, the maple syrup, the vanilla, the salt, and the remaining cinnamon and whisk to combine.
Step 11 –Pour the custard mixture evenly over the casserole.
Step 12 –Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
Step 13 –Transfer the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Step 14 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 15 –Top the casserole with the pecans.
Step 16 –Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 17 –Uncover and bake until golden-brown and the center is firm, about 25-30 minutes.
Step 18 –Serve garnished with the confectioners’ sugar.