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To make this tasty dish, you need the following: - 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) - 1/4 cup maple syrup - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) You can add a few ingredients for extra taste: - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger for warmth - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves for spice - A splash of almond extract for nutty notes If you need to substitute, here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat bread instead of French bread for a healthier option. - Swap granulated sugar with brown sugar for deeper flavor. - Almond milk or oat milk can replace whole milk for dairy-free diets. - You can use any sweetener you prefer, but adjust the amount as needed. These ingredients create a warm, comforting dish that everyone will love. Enjoy getting creative in your kitchen! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the dish cook evenly. Next, take a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it well. I use butter or cooking spray. This prevents the bake from sticking to the dish. In a large mixing bowl, add four large eggs. Pour in two cups of whole milk. Next, add half a cup of granulated sugar. The sugar adds sweetness. Then, mix in one teaspoon of vanilla extract, two teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg. Whisk everything until it is smooth and fully combined. Now, add the cubed French bread into the egg mixture. Gently stir the bread so every piece gets soaked. Let it sit for about ten minutes to soak up the egg mix. While the bread sits, take two large apples. Peel, core, and dice them. Toss the diced apples with a tablespoon of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. This gives the apples extra flavor. Next, layer half of the soaked bread mixture into the greased dish. Then, add half of the diced apples and, if you like, half a cup of chopped pecans. Repeat this with the rest of the bread, apples, and pecans. Finally, drizzle a quarter cup of maple syrup over the top layer. This adds a nice sweetness. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. You can dust it with powdered sugar if you want. Enjoy your baking! To make sure all the bread soaks well, cut the bread into even cubes. This helps each piece absorb the egg mixture. After adding the bread to the bowl, gently stir it. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting time helps the bread soak up all the goodness. If you see dry spots, give those pieces a little extra love with the liquid. When baking, I love using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and add a nice zing. You can also try Fuji apples for a sweeter bite. Avoid soft apples like McIntosh, as they can turn mushy. Choose firm apples for the best texture in your bake. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely first. Then, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to prepare ahead, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it and store in the fridge overnight. Bake in the morning for a hot, fresh meal. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: Stale French bread works best for this recipe as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. Apple Variations: Experiment with different apple varieties such as Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness to customize the flavor profile. Make Ahead: Prepare the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast! Top It Off: Consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch when serving. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake. Start with spices. Try using ginger or cardamom for a warm kick. A splash of almond extract can add a nutty twist. You can also add a dash of pumpkin spice for a fall vibe. Each spice gives a unique taste, so feel free to experiment. While apples are the star, don’t stop there. You can mix in other fruits for fun. Pears work well and have a sweet taste. Berries like blueberries or strawberries can add color and tartness. Bananas also blend well with the bread and add a creamy texture. Try different combinations to find your favorite! If you need a gluten-free version, swap the French bread for gluten-free bread. Make sure to check the label to ensure it suits your needs. For a vegan version, replace eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water. Use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk. These changes still give you that delicious flavor and texture. To store your leftover Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake, first let it cool. Once cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and delicious for later. If you want to freeze this bake, slice it first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place the slices in a microwave or toaster oven until warm. This keeps the texture nice and tasty. When stored in the fridge, the bake lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 2-3 months. Just remember, the sooner you eat it, the better it will taste. Each bite will remind you of those cozy mornings! Yes, you can prepare this dish the night before. Just follow these steps: After you layer the bread and apples in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps keep everything fresh. Store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you don’t have pecans, try walnuts or almonds. You can also skip the nuts entirely if you prefer. For a fun twist, add some chocolate chips or shredded coconut. They add sweetness and texture without nuts. To check if it's done, look for a golden top. The center should feel firm, not jiggly. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bake is ready. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set even more. Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake is a delicious treat. You learned about the key ingredients and some tasty options to try. The step-by-step instructions guide you to make it perfectly. I shared tips to help you soak the bread well and choose the best apples. You discovered fun ways to change the recipe and how to store your leftovers. Remember, you can prepare it the night before. With this knowledge, you can enjoy a warm, sweet breakfast anytime. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake

A delicious baked French toast dish with cinnamon and apples, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • to taste 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, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
  • Add the cubed French bread to the mixture and gently stir to ensure all bread pieces are soaked in the egg mixture. Let sit for about 10 minutes to absorb.
  • While the bread is soaking, toss the diced apples with a tablespoon of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to coat them well.
  • Layer half of the soaked bread mixture into the greased baking dish, followed by half the diced apples, and, if desired, half of the chopped pecans. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, apples, and pecans.
  • Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the top layer.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  • Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Notes

Optional pecans and powdered sugar can enhance the flavor.
Keyword apple, bake, brunch, cinnamon, French toast