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- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 large eggs - 2 cups milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon cinnamon - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (any tart variety like Granny Smith) The main ingredients bring a warm and sweet taste to this dish. The brioche or challah bread absorbs the egg mixture well. This helps create a soft and custardy texture. The eggs and milk mixture adds richness. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Cinnamon gives that classic warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples. The brown sugar adds sweetness, balancing the tartness of the apples. - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1/4 cup maple syrup (plus additional for serving) - Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) Optional ingredients add extra flavor and texture. Nuts like walnuts or pecans provide a nice crunch. Maple syrup adds a sweet touch. You can drizzle it over the finished bake. Powdered sugar gives a lovely dusting. It makes the dish look even more inviting. Accurate measurements are vital for the best results. Too much or too little of an ingredient can change the texture and taste. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision. When baking, follow the recipe closely. This ensures your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake turns out perfect every time. 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warms up the oven for even cooking. 2. Next, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Use butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together three large eggs, two cups of milk, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, one tablespoon of cinnamon, and one-fourth cup of brown sugar. Mix until everything is smooth. 1. Now, add the cubed brioche or challah bread to the bowl. Gently fold it into the egg mixture. Make sure all pieces get soaked. 2. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the bread absorb the liquid. 3. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the soaked bread at the bottom. 4. Spread half of the diced apples evenly over the bread. If you like nuts, sprinkle half of the chopped walnuts or pecans on top. 5. Repeat this process with the remaining bread mix, apples, and nuts. 6. Drizzle one-fourth cup of maple syrup over the entire mixture. This adds a sweet touch. 1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in while baking. 2. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden brown top that is slightly crispy. 3. Once it's done, let the French toast bake cool for a few minutes. If you want, dust it with powdered sugar before serving. This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a perfect treat for any morning. For the full recipe, check the main section. To make sure your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake cooks evenly, follow these steps: - Soak the bread well: Let the bread sit in the egg mixture for at least 15 minutes. This helps it soak up all the flavors. - Use a greased dish: Always grease your baking dish to prevent sticking. This ensures easy serving. - Cover with foil: Cover the dish for the first part of baking. This traps heat and moisture. It helps cook the bake through without burning the top. - Check for doneness: Look for a golden brown top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. To add more flavor to your bake, consider these options: - Extra spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger. Just a pinch can elevate the taste. - Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for a richer flavor. It pairs well with apples and cinnamon. - Lemon zest: A little lemon zest brightens the dish. It adds a fresh note that balances the sweetness. Presentation can make your bake even more special. Here are some fun ideas: - Warm and drizzled: Serve your French toast bake warm with a drizzle of maple syrup. - Garnish with apples: Top each serving with fresh apple slices for a pop of color. - Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy touch. It makes each bite feel indulgent. - Dust with powdered sugar: For a sweet finish, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top right before serving. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy your baking! {{image_2}} You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk. You can replace eggs with flax eggs or a dairy-free egg substitute. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty French toast bake. Feel free to add different fruits or spices to change the flavor. Try using pears, berries, or even bananas. Each fruit brings a unique taste. You can also mix in spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth. This adds depth and excitement to your bake. If you want a crispier top, bake the dish uncovered for the last few minutes. This makes the top golden and crunchy. You can also add cream cheese to the layers. Just cut it into small cubes and mix it with the bread and apples. This adds a creamy texture that contrasts with the bake's fluffiness. For the Full Recipe, check the ingredients and steps above. Enjoy creating your personal version! After you make this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate the bake for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. If using the microwave, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 30-60 seconds, checking often to avoid overcooking. When stored properly, the baked French toast can last up to three days in the fridge. If frozen, it is best used within one month for the best taste. The quality may decline after that, but it will still be safe to eat. You can prepare this dish the night before. Here’s how: 1. Follow the recipe steps up to the baking part. 2. After assembling the layers, cover the dish with foil. 3. Place it in the fridge overnight. 4. In the morning, let it sit for about 30 minutes before baking. 5. Bake as directed in the Full Recipe. This makes breakfast easy and quick. Yes, you can! Different breads will change the taste and texture. Here are some options: - Brioche: Soft and sweet, perfect for a rich flavor. - Challah: Slightly dense, great for holding the egg mixture. - Sourdough: Adds tanginess, which contrasts well with sweet apples. - Whole Wheat: Healthier option but may change the sweetness. Choose what you like best! If you’re out of apples, don’t worry! Here are some tasty substitutes: - Pears: Sweet and juicy, they work well. - Peaches: Provide a lovely summer flavor. - Bananas: Add sweetness but will change the texture. - Berries: Fresh or frozen, they offer a burst of flavor. Feel free to experiment with these fruits! In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake. We looked at main ingredients like brioche, a mix of eggs and milk, and the sweet touch of apples and cinnamon. We discussed optional add-ins, measurement tips, and even baking tricks for the best texture. Remember, you can customize this dish with different fruits or dietary needs. With proper storage, your leftovers will stay fresh and tasty. Enjoy creating this cozy meal for your loved ones!

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Start your morning right with this delicious Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake! Perfectly custardy with tart apples and a hint of cinnamon, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser for brunch or family gatherings. Just mix, layer, and bake for a sweet and satisfying breakfast treat that serves 6 to 8 people. Ready to impress?

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 large eggs

2 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (any tart variety like Granny Smith)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1/4 cup maple syrup (plus additional for serving)

Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined.

      Add the cubed bread to the bowl, gently folding it into the egg mixture until all pieces are soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid.

        In the greased baking dish, layer half of the soaked bread mixture evenly at the bottom.

          Spread half of the diced apples over the bread layer, then sprinkle half of the nuts (if using) over the apples.

            Repeat with the remaining bread mixture, followed by the rest of the apples and nuts on top.

              Drizzle the maple syrup over the entire mixture.

                Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

                  Once baked, allow the French toast bake to cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hour | Serves 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve warm, drizzled with extra maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Garnish each plate with a slice of fresh apple and a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence!