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- 6 slices of day-old bread (brioche or challah recommended), cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free alternative) - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 pinch of salt - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish) For this dish, I love using brioche or challah. These breads soak up the custard well. They give a soft texture and sweet flavor. You want bread that is a bit stale. Fresh bread might get too soggy. When it comes to apples, I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They add a nice tartness and balance the sweetness. Feel free to mix different kinds for unique flavors. You can't forget the spices! Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors too. - Suggested toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup - Additional fruits or nuts for customization For toppings, I suggest serving with powdered sugar and warm maple syrup. They add a sweet touch that really shines. You can also add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. If you want some extra fruit, try adding blueberries or sliced bananas. This dish serves about 6 to 8 people. Each serving has about 300 calories. - Calories: ~300 per serving - Fats: ~10g - Carbohydrates: ~45g - Protein: ~8g This breakdown helps you see how this tasty treat fits into your meal plan. Enjoying it occasionally fits perfectly in a balanced diet. 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Next, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it well with unsalted butter. Make sure every edge is covered to prevent sticking. 3. In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until everything is smooth and blended. 1. Now, it’s time to soak the bread cubes. Gently add your bread cubes to the egg mixture. Fold them carefully, ensuring they get coated well. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the bread soak up the delicious custard. 2. While the bread soaks, take another bowl and toss the diced apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a tablespoon of brown sugar. This gives the apples extra flavor and sweetness. 3. Once the bread has absorbed the custard, fold in the spiced apple mixture. Distribute the apples evenly throughout the bread mixture. 1. Carefully pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly for the best baking results. 2. Put the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You're looking for a golden brown top and a firm center. 3. To check for doneness, insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, your bake is ready. Now, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying this tasty breakfast treat! For the full recipe, refer back to the ingredients and instructions provided above. To make the best Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake, soak the bread cubes properly. Use day-old bread, as it holds custard well. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes for even soaking. Mix your egg and milk well, then gently fold in the bread. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the bread absorb the custard. For an even bake, spread the mixture out in the dish. Use a 9x13-inch baking dish for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake it until the top is golden brown. This usually takes 35 to 40 minutes. One common mistake is over-soaking the bread. This can make it mushy. Under-soaking is just as bad. The bread needs to soak long enough to absorb the custard but not too long. Another mistake is choosing the wrong type of apples. I recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape well and add a nice tartness. For a great meal, pair the baked French toast with crispy bacon or sausage. Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, add a nice touch. If it's a special brunch, serve it with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also offer maple syrup on the side. This adds sweetness and flavor. This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch. It's easy to make and great for sharing with friends and family. For the full recipe, check out the section above. {{image_4}} You can easily adjust this recipe to fit dietary needs. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk instead of regular milk. Almond milk gives the dish a nice, nutty flavor that pairs well with apples. You can also choose gluten-free bread if needed. There are many brands available that taste great and work well in this bake. Want to switch things up? You can add different fruits for a fun twist! Blueberries or pears work really well with the apples. They add color and new tastes. You can also change the spices. Try adding cardamom or allspice for a warm, cozy flavor. These spices can give your French toast bake a unique touch that will surprise your guests. Every season brings special flavors. In fall, consider adding pumpkin puree or chopped pecans to the mix. This gives the dish a hearty feel, perfect for chilly mornings. In spring, fresh berries and a hint of citrus zest can brighten up your bake. These ingredients add freshness and a burst of flavor that complements the sweet apples beautifully. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To store leftovers, let the baked French toast cool. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it for about 1-2 minutes, but the oven gives a better texture. For long-term storage, you can freeze the baked French toast. Once it cools, cut it into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move the pieces to the refrigerator overnight. For a quick thaw, microwave them on low heat for a few minutes. When stored properly, Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake lasts about three days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can stay good for about three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or discoloration, before eating. Enjoy your tasty breakfast treat anytime with these simple storage tips! You can prepare this dish the night before. Just follow the full recipe until the baking step. After combining the bread and apples, cover the dish and place it in the fridge. In the morning, simply take it out and bake it. This saves time and allows the flavors to blend overnight. Yes, you can use fresh bread. But stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better. If using fresh bread, cut it into cubes and toast it lightly in the oven first. This helps it soak up the custard without getting too soggy. There are many options for sweeteners. You can use honey, maple syrup, or agave. You can also try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. Just keep in mind that the amount may vary based on the sweetener you choose. Yes, you can easily make it dairy-free. Just swap regular milk for almond milk or oat milk. This change still gives you a creamy texture without dairy. Also, make sure to use dairy-free butter if needed for greasing. Adding eggs directly without the custard mixture is not recommended. The custard adds flavor and helps bind everything together. If you want more eggs, consider increasing the custard mix while keeping the balance of other ingredients. This dish is a warm hug in every bite. It combines soft bread, sweet apples, and warm spices. You can easily make it for breakfast or brunch. What is the main flavor in Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake? The main flavor comes from the blend of apples and cinnamon. The apples add natural sweetness. The cinnamon gives warmth and depth. Together, they create a comforting taste that feels like home. How do I choose the best apples? For this bake, I recommend using sweet apples. Varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work well. They hold their shape when baked. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice balance, too. What type of bread should I use? I suggest using brioche or challah. These types of bread soak up the custard nicely. Day-old bread works best, as it is a bit firmer. It prevents the bake from getting too soggy. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare it the night before and chill in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning. This saves time and makes breakfast stress-free. What are some tasty toppings? You can top your bake with powdered sugar or maple syrup. Fresh fruit or whipped cream also add fun flavors. Nuts, like pecans, can give a nice crunch, too. This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is not only easy but also fun to share. Dive into this delicious recipe to get the full experience. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake. We talked about key ingredients like bread, apples, and spices. You learned about optional toppings and nutritional facts. The step-by-step instructions made it easy to prepare and bake your dish perfectly. In the end, this recipe is fun to customize and share with others. Enjoying it for breakfast or brunch can turn any meal into a special occasion. Happy cooking!

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Indulge in a delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake that's perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch! This easy recipe combines day-old bread, juicy apples, and warm spices for a delightful treat everyone will love. With just a few simple steps, you can create a comforting dish that's sure to impress. Don't miss out—click through to discover how to make this mouthwatering bake and enjoy it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup!
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Ingredients
  

6 slices of day-old bread (brioche or challah recommended), cut into 1-inch cubes

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces

4 large eggs

2 cups milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free alternative)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 pinch of salt

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Optional: powdered sugar and pure maple syrup for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the unsalted butter, ensuring every corner is covered.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.

      Gently add the bread cubes into the egg mixture, folding them carefully to ensure the bread is evenly coated. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 10 minutes, enabling the bread to absorb the custard mixture fully.

        Meanwhile, in another bowl, toss the diced apples with a light dusting of extra cinnamon and a tablespoon of brown sugar, ensuring they are well coated.

          After the bread has soaked, gently fold the spiced apple mixture into the bread and custard, distributing the apples evenly throughout the mixture.

            Carefully pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.

              Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center has set firmly.

                Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes, allowing it to firm up further before slicing into squares.

                  Serve while warm, optionally dusting with powdered sugar and drizzling with maple syrup for added sweetness.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, serve each individual portion on elegant plates, garnishing with a light sprinkle of cinnamon and arranging a few slices of fresh apple on the side to enhance the appeal.