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Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

This baked French toast features layers of bread soaked in a cinnamon custard, topped with caramelized apples, and baked until golden and bubbling. The dish has a soft, creamy interior with a crispy, caramelized top, presenting a warm and inviting appearance suitable for brunch or weekend mornings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf day-old bread (such as brioche or challah) cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 2 cups milk can substitute with cream for richer texture
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 apples firmer apple varieties (such as Granny Smith or Fuji) peeled, cored, sliced into thin wedges
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter plus extra for greasing
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar for caramelizing apples
  • 1/4 cup water

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
  2. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish to create a single layer that will soak up the custard.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently so all pieces soak up the flavorful mixture.
  5. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
  6. While the dish is soaking, peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in the brown sugar and water to make a caramel sauce.
  7. Add the sliced apples to the caramel sauce, stirring gently to coat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are slightly softened and the sauce is thickened with a glossy finish.
  8. Spread the caramelized apples evenly over the soaked bread before baking.
  9. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  10. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes. Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of maple syrup or additional cinnamon.

Notes

Best served warm, topped with extra cinnamon or powdered sugar. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a cozy breakfast treat.