Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf of French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)

• 6 large eggs

• 3 cups buttermilk OR 2 cups milk + 1 cup heavy cream OR 3 cups half and half. (Or any combination of the above to make 3 cups of liquid.)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Directions

Prepare the Casserole:

1. 1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or lasagna dish.

   2. Place the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.

   3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milks, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

   4. Add the sliced apples to the egg mixture and stir to coat.

   5. Pour the apple and egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Press down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.

   6. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Prepare the Topping:

1. 7. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

   8. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   9. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Bake the Casserole:

1. 10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

   11. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.

   12. Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the casserole.

   13. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

   14. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serve:

1. 15. Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.