Preparation Steps

• Prep. Butter a 9x13 baking dish. Place the bread cubes in the baking dish and set aside.
• Make the custard. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 0.25 cups brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, stir, and set aside.
• Cook the apples. Melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once melted, add in the apples, remaining brown sugar, and remaining cinnamon. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples begin to soften and the liquid thickens.
• Combine, cover, and refrigerate or bake. Remove from the heat and spoon the apple mixture over the bread mixture. Sprinkle the top with pecans. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, or bake it right away.
• To bake, preheat the oven to 350˚F.
• Bring the casserole to room temperature. Take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter while the oven is preheating.
• Bake it. When ready, bake the French toast casserole, covered, for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue to bake for about 20 more minutes or until the custard has set.
• Rest and serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Top with maple syrup and serve.