Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound loaf of Brioche or Challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for the topping)
Instructions
- Preparation of Bread and Apples: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Arrange half of the bread cubes in an even layer at the bottom of the dish. Distribute the sliced apples over the bread, sprinkling them with a little extra cinnamon if desired. Top the apples with the remaining bread cubes, pressing down slightly to ensure everything fits snugly.
- Whisk the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, crack the six eggs and whisk them until they are well combined. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. Pour the melted butter into the mixture and give it one final stir.
- Soak and Refrigerate: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples in the baking dish. Ensure that every piece of bread gets moistened by the liquid. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread cubes to help them absorb the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight.
- Baking the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven heats up. Remove the cover and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly springy.
- Plating and Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the custard to set completely, making it easier to serve clean squares. Dish out individual portions and drizzle with additional warm maple syrup. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes