Cozy Warm Apple Pecan Brie Casserole Recipe
This Cozy Warm Apple Pecan Brie Casserole combines tender Granny Smith apples, nutty pecans, and creamy melted brie cheese, all baked to perfection with warm spices and a sweet maple glaze. It’s a comforting, sophisticated dish perfect for brunch or dessert that balances sweet, savory, and buttery flavors in a beautifully layered casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
Scale
Apples & Pecans
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼‑inch thick
- 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
Cheese
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into 1‑inch cubes
Apple-Spice Mixture
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Glaze & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for glaze)
- ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preparing the Apples & Pecans: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully coated. Spread the apples evenly in the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish, then sprinkle chopped pecans over the apples, saving a tablespoon for garnish.
- Layering the Brie: Evenly scatter the brie cubes over the apples and pecans to ensure each bite has pockets of melting cheese. This will create a creamy sauce as it bakes.
- Baking the Casserole – Initial Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the apples begin to soften and the brie starts melting, releasing fragrant steam.
- Applying the Glaze: Meanwhile, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup, rosemary, and sea salt. Remove the casserole from the oven after 20 minutes, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top, and toss the reserved pecans in any remaining glaze before sprinkling as garnish.
- Finish Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes until edges are golden-brown, the glaze is glossy and set, and the brie is fully melted and silky.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and settle flavors, preventing it from being runny when served.
- Plating & Presentation: Serve warm portions, drizzle any remaining glaze from the dish over the top, and add the toasted pecan garnish. Optionally dust with extra rosemary or a drizzle of honey. Ideal with fresh orange juice, coffee, or sparkling mimosas.
Notes
- Slice apples uniformly at ¼-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Pat apples dry after washing to avoid watery casserole.
- Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 5 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Use fresh, high-quality brie to ensure smooth melting.
- Optionally add Calvados or brandy to glaze for depth or smoked paprika for subtle smokiness.
- Rest casserole before serving to avoid runny sauce.
- Do not over-bake; remove once brie is melted and glaze set.
- Use a light-colored baking dish to monitor browning effectively.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra golden top if desired, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately to maintain silky cheese sauce texture.
Keywords: apple casserole, brie cheese recipe, pecan dessert casserole, maple glaze casserole, warm apple dessert, brunch casserole
