Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your home—it's the perfect start to any day! Our Baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast is not just a breakfast; it's a delightful experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a comforting dish that combines the sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar with the warm flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples, all enveloped in fluffy, custardy bread. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or simply treating yourself to a special morning, this dish is sure to impress. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (gluten-free if desired)
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If using a day-old bread, it will absorb the custard mixture better and create a more custardy texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
- Layer half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Slice apples thinly and arrange half of the apple slices over the bread cubes.
- Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples, ensuring all pieces are moistened.
- Repeat layering with remaining bread cubes and apple slices.
- Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top layer, making sure all bread is saturated.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar with remaining cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the top of the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the custard to set.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with additional maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best texture, use a day-old loaf of bread, as it will absorb the custard mixture more effectively. If you prefer a gluten-free option, any gluten-free bread will work wonderfully!
- Slice Apples Thinly: Thin apple slices will cook evenly and blend beautifully with the bread, creating a harmonious flavor in every bite.
- Let it Soak: After assembling the dish, let it sit for at least 15 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to soak up the custard mixture, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Cover with Foil: Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first half of baking helps to steam the French toast, ensuring it cooks evenly and stays moist.
- Add Toppings: For an extra touch of indulgence, serve your baked French toast with a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish the night before! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it in the oven for a quick and easy breakfast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
