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Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole

When it comes to breakfast dishes that combine ease with indulgence, few can rival the charm of an Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole. This delightful dish offers the perfect blend of creamy custard, sweet cinnamon, and tender apples, making it an ideal choice for leisurely weekend mornings or festive brunch gatherings. Not only is it a feast for the senses but also remarkably straightforward to prepare – especially because it can be made in advance.

The Beauty of Overnight Preparation

The secret to this casserole’s delightful texture lies in its overnight resting period. By allowing the bread to soak in a custard mixture of eggs, milk, and spices, you’ll achieve a sumptuous, soft interior. This soaking process infuses the bread with flavours and ensures that every bite is a perfect combination of sweetness and warmth.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 large loaf of brioche or sourdough bread, cut into cubes
• 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Royal Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 6 large eggs
• 500ml whole milk
• 150g caster sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• 50g unsalted butter, melted

For the Topping:

• 100g brown sugar
• 50g rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 40g cold unsalted butter, diced
• A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Casserole

1. Arrange the Bread: Begin by placing the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the pieces are roughly the same size for even soaking.

2. Add the Apples: Scatter the chopped apples over the bread, allowing them to nestle lovingly among the cubes.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

1. Whisk Together the Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, caster sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.

2. Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Drizzle the melted butter over the top, then gently fold everything together to combine.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

1. Cover and Chill: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, cover it with cling film, and place it in the refrigerator. This resting period allows the flavours to meld and the bread to soak up the custard thoroughly.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Topping

1. Preheat the Oven: On the day you plan to bake, preheat your oven to 180°C (fan oven 160°C).

2. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and cold diced butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.

Step 5: Bake

1. Add Topping and Bake: Remove the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm, drizzled with maple syrup or a dusting of icing sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

The Overnight Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole is a showstopper that brings warmth and comfort to any breakfast table. Its incredible flexibility allows for substitutions based on seasonal fruit or personal preferences, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Just prepare the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a deliciously effortless brunch experience. Indulging in this sweet treat is sure to make you the star of your next gathering!

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