Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with a dish that is both comforting and indulgent? This Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast will steal your heart and your taste buds. Imagine cubes of buttery French bread soaking in a luscious custard, then baked until golden and crisp on the top, all while the sweet and spiced aroma of apples wafts through your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy family brunch or a special weekend treat, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the delightful world of Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons to love this Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast. First and foremost, the combination of French bread and cinnamon-sugar apples creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly aligns with the essence of comfort food. It’s a one-pan wonder, making both preparation and cleanup incredibly easy. You can prepare it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it sits in the refrigerator. The next morning, simply bake and enjoy! This recipe also opens up a world of possibilities for customization, ensuring that you can adjust it to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast, you will need the following ingredients:

1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 large eggs, beaten
½ cup half-and-half
½ cup 2% milk
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ cup butter
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How To Make Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the French Bread

Start by cutting your French bread into 1-inch cubes. This helps the bread to soak up the custard mixture effectively. If you have time, let the bread cubes sit out for a few hours or overnight. Stale bread is ideal for French toast as it absorbs the custard without becoming overly soggy.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, beat the eggs until they are frothy. Add the half-and-half, 2% milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined. This custard is what will give your French toast its rich and creamy texture.

Step 3: Combine Bread with Custard

Place the cubed French bread into your custard mixture, gently folding until all the bread is coated. Make sure to press down the bread slightly to ensure every piece gets its fair share of the custard.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Topping

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples to the skillet. Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the apples, stirring gently to combine. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender and begin to caramelize slightly.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the bread and custard mixture into the baking dish evenly. Top with the warmed apple mixture, spreading it out evenly over the top of the French toast.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes. Serve with warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Expert Tips

Use day-old bread or let your fresh bread sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit before using it. This helps prevent it from becoming too mushy.
You can make this dish ahead of time by assembling it the night before and baking it in the morning.
Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar based on your taste preferences.
For added texture, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the apple mixture.

Variations and Customizations

Use different types of apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji for varying sweetness and flavor.
Substitute whole milk for the 2% milk for a richer taste.
Add a splash of apple cider for an extra layer of flavor.
Top with nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

How to Store Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place portions in the microwave or heat in the oven until warmed through. For the best texture, consider reheating in the oven for a few minutes until the edges crisp up again.

FAQ

Can I use another type of bread?

Absolutely! While French bread works wonderfully, you can substitute with challah, brioche, or even whole grain bread for a healthier option.

Is it necessary to soak the bread overnight?

Soaking the bread overnight helps it absorb more of the custard, resulting in a creamier texture. However, if you’re short on time, a couple of hours will work too.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the French bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. The cooking process remains the same.

What can I serve with Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast?

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crispy bacon or sausage links and fresh fruit, providing a balanced and hearty breakfast experience.

Conclusion

There you have it, the ultimate recipe for Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast! With its delightful combination of flavors and ease of preparation, this dish is perfect for any breakfast occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating your family to a cozy weekend breakfast, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to savor every bite of this scrumptious, apple-filled delight! Happy baking!

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