What is it about fall that we love so much? Some research suggests that the gloomier months prompt us to reminisce on the good times. That could be. Or maybe it’s the frigid air in our lungs that we adore so much? Possibly it’s the picturesque maroon and orange views we see when looking out the window? Those are all valid reasons, but we think it’s because it’s the season you get to indulge in Sweet Autumn Casserole. When you start your day with a piece of sweet cinnamon moist bread covered in brown-sugary streusel and a creamy, maple syrup-sweet icing, how could you not be happy? All those other things are great, you can keep loving them, sure. But we like to think that your adoration for the leaf-falling season will only increase once you experience the sweetness and satisfaction of Sweet Autumn Casserole!
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into equal-sized pieces
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup butter, cold
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup, plus more, optional, to taste
- 1 tablespoon milk, plus more, to taste
Directions
Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 -Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray.
Step 3 -In a large bowl, whisk the eggs.
Step 4 -Add the granulated sugar, the vanilla, and 2 teaspoons of the cinnamon to the eggs and mix until combined.
Step 5 -Add 2 cups of the milk and the whipping cream to the egg mixture and whisk together.
Step 6 -In another large bowl, add the bread pieces.
Step 7 -Pour the egg mixture over the bread and fold until all the pieces are completely covered.
Step 8 -Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture, about 10 minutes.
Step 9 -While the bread soaks, in a small bowl, add 1/2 cup of the cold butter, the flour, the brown sugar, and the remaining cinnamon and mix with a fork until the dry ingredients are combined with the butter.
Step 10 -Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle with the streusel.
Step 11 -Bake until heated through, about 45-50 minutes.
Step 12 -While the casserole is baking, in a large bowl add the powdered sugar and the remaining melted butter. Stir until mixed.
Step 13 -Add 2 teaspoons of the maple syrup to the icing mixture.
Step 14 -Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of the milk, until the icing is the right consistency. If it is too thick, add the extra milk a little at a time. If you would prefer more maple syrup flavoring, replace some of the milk with more of the syrup.
Step 15 -Drizzle the icing over the warm casserole.
Step 16 -Serve.
