Step 1

Center the oven rack and preheat the oven to 375°F. In a food processor, pulse bread until it forms light, fluffy crumbs. Spread the crumbs out on a baking sheet, and bake them until they turn lightly golden -- 8-10 minutes.

Step 2

Transfer the bread crumbs to a medium-size bowl. Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the melted butter to the bread crumbs, and toss to coat.

Step 3

Put the apple slices in a large bowl, and toss with the maple syrup. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and half of the bread crumbs. Tip the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Top with the remaining bread crumbs. Cover the dish tightly.

Step 4

Bake until the mixture is bubbling -- about 40 minutes. Then remove the cover, and continue baking until the bread crumbs have browned and the apples are perfectly tender -- about 10 minutes more. Let cool for at least 15 minutes. Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, crème fraiche, or sour cream.