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- 6 slices of thick bread (like challah or brioche) - 3 large eggs - 1 cup milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith) The main ingredients create a rich base for this dish. Thick bread gives it a soft texture. Eggs, milk, and heavy cream make a creamy custard. The apples add sweetness and a nice bite. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and comfort. - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts - 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish) - Powdered sugar (for dusting) While these ingredients are optional, they can enhance the dish. Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch. Butter helps to prevent sticking and adds flavor. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and looks pretty on the plate. These ingredients together create a delightful treat. You can adjust them to fit your taste and preferences. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get it ready for baking. 2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. This helps prevent sticking. 3. Tear the slices of thick bread into large chunks. You can use challah or brioche for the best results. 4. Layer these bread chunks in the greased baking dish. Make sure to fill it well. 5. Dice the apples and sprinkle them over the bread. Use Granny Smith for a nice tartness. 6. If you want, add chopped walnuts on top of the apples for extra crunch. 1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add the milk and heavy cream next. 2. Pour in the maple syrup and vanilla extract for sweetness. 3. Add ground cinnamon and nutmeg for that warm spice flavor. Mix everything until well combined. 1. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apple layers. Make sure every piece gets some liquid. 2. Press down gently to help the bread soak up the custard. 3. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Let it sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. You can also chill it in the fridge for later. 4. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. The top should be golden and the custard set. 5. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. For the best texture, use thick bread like challah or brioche. These types hold the custard well and stay soft. If you have stale bread, that works great too! Stale bread soaks up the custard better than fresh bread. Just make sure to tear it into large chunks, so it doesn't get too mushy. To ensure an even soak, whisk the eggs, milk, and cream well. This helps mix all the flavors. Pour the custard over the bread slowly. Press down gently to soak every piece. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup. If you love spice, feel free to add more cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste. For a great presentation, dust the baked dish with powdered sugar. You can also drizzle extra maple syrup on top. Sliced fresh apples make a lovely garnish. Serve it warm with whipped cream for a treat! This dish pairs well with coffee or a warm cup of tea, making it perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast. Pro Tips Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use slightly stale bread. It soaks up the custard without falling apart. Customize Your Apples: While Granny Smith apples are tart and hold up well, feel free to mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for added flavor. Make Ahead: Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld and saves time in the morning. Perfectly Set Custard: To ensure a perfectly set custard, bake until the edges are golden and the center is just slightly jiggly; it will continue to set as it cools. {{image_2}} You can switch up the apples in this bake. Try sweet apples like Fuji or tart ones like Honeycrisp. For a berry twist, sprinkle in some fresh blueberries or raspberries. They add color and a burst of flavor. Dried fruits are great, too! Toss in some raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture. They pair well with the soft bread and sweet apples. If you want to change the nuts, swap walnuts for pecans or almonds. Both add a nice crunch and flavor. If you prefer a nut-free dish, just skip them altogether. You can replace the nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They still give you that extra crunch without the nuts. Get creative with your spices! Try adding ginger or allspice for a warm twist. These spices can really elevate the taste. If you love chocolate, mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. For a richer flavor, drizzle caramel on top before serving. It makes each bite even more delightful! To keep your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake fresh, let it cool first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. You can also store it in an airtight container. It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it. To reheat, you have two great options: the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast bake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps the texture nice and fluffy. If you prefer the microwave, cut a slice and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The microwave is fast but may make it a bit soggy. So, the oven is the better choice if you want the best texture. Yes, you can prepare this dish the night before. After you layer the bread and apples, pour the custard over them. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply bake it as directed. This saves you time and makes breakfast easy! You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to bake it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it as you normally would. I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They are tart and hold their shape well during baking. You could also try Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor. Mixing apple types can add depth to your dish. Choose firm apples for the best texture in your bake. You now have a simple guide to making a great Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake. We covered key ingredients like thick bread, eggs, and spices. The steps to assemble and bake this dish are easy to follow. Remember, using the right bread and perfecting the custard makes a big difference. Feel free to experiment with variations and serve it with your favorite drinks. Enjoy this dish as a delicious breakfast or brunch treat!

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

A delicious baked dish combining bread, apples, and cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 slices thick bread (like challah or brioche)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
  • to taste powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with the butter.
  • Tear the slices of bread into large chunks and layer them in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the diced apples and walnuts evenly over the bread.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apple layers, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature or pop it in the fridge if preparing ahead of time.
  • Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.
  • Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a drizzle of additional maple syrup and a sprinkle of sliced fresh apples for garnish on top. Add a dollop of whipped cream if desired!
Keyword apple, bake, brunch, cinnamon, French toast