Description

A make-ahead, stress-free breakfast casserole featuring stale brioche bread soaked in a rich custard with tart Granny Smith apples and topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf stale brioche or challah bread (about 12–14 slices, torn into 1-inch chunks)
2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing)
6 large eggs, room temperature
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
For the Streusel Topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 teaspoon extra cinnamon
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
Tear the stale bread into 1-inch chunks and spread them in a single layer in the baking dish. Scatter the diced apples evenly over the bread.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
Pour the custard evenly over the bread and apples. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the liquid.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight. If short on time, let sit for 20 minutes.
While the bread soaks, make the streusel: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Add cold cubed butter and work it in with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set (not jiggly). Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use stale bread (day-old or lightly toasted) to prevent mushiness. Ensure butter for streusel is cold and cubed for a crunchy texture. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape best. Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 320
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 3
Protein: 12

Keywords: French toast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, apple cinnamon, baked french toast, weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, streusel topping