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To make the perfect Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small cubes - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Each ingredient plays a special role in creating a warm and cozy dish. The French bread gives the bake its soft texture. Eggs and milk bind everything together. Sugar adds sweetness, while cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice. The apples add a fresh crunch, and pecans give an extra layer of flavor. Maple syrup drizzled on top makes it even more delightful. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar can make your dish look fancy. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Enjoy the process of gathering your items; it sets the stage for a fun cooking experience! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook the dish evenly. 2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This keeps the bake from sticking. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth. 4. Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and fold them into the egg mixture. Let it soak for 10 minutes. This helps the bread absorb the flavors. 1. In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with a tablespoon of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. This makes the apples sweeter. 2. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the soaked bread mixture first. Spread it evenly. 3. Next, add half of the diced apples on top. If you want, sprinkle half of the chopped pecans now. 4. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, apples, and pecans. This creates a nice mix of flavors. 1. Drizzle maple syrup over the top layer. This adds a sweet touch. 2. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This traps moisture while baking. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil. 4. Continue baking for 15-20 more minutes until the top is golden brown. This shows it’s done. To get a nice golden top, make sure to spread the bread evenly in the dish. This helps each piece bake well. Also, allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 10 minutes. This soaking time helps the bread soak up all those yummy flavors. Serving your bake warm makes it extra cozy. You can serve it straight from the dish or on a nice platter. For a fun twist, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely finish that looks great. Want to change things up? You can swap apples for other fruits like pears or berries. You can also add nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for some crunch. If you like it sweeter, just add a bit more sugar or maple syrup to fit your taste. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use bread that is a day or two old. This will help it absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. Experiment with Apples: Different apple varieties can change the flavor profile. Try using Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Add a Touch of Salt: A pinch of salt in the custard mixture enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the dish. Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared the night before. Just cover the assembled bake and refrigerate, then bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast. {{image_4}} You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your diet. If you need gluten-free options, try gluten-free bread. Many stores offer tasty gluten-free loaves. They work well in this bake and keep the dish delicious. For those who want a dairy-free version, swap whole milk with almond or oat milk. These alternatives blend well and keep the creaminess. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt instead of eggs. This keeps the texture similar while catering to your needs. To make this dish even more exciting, add spices like cardamom or allspice. These spices give a warm flavor that pairs well with apples. Just a pinch can change the profile and make it unique. You might also add chocolate chips or dried fruits. Chocolate brings a rich sweetness, while dried fruits add chewy bites. Raisins or cranberries can work great here, adding both flavor and texture. Think about the seasons when you make this dish. For fall, try adding pumpkin spice. Mixing it in with the apples makes a cozy, autumn-inspired treat. In the summer, switch to fresh berries. Strawberries or blueberries can brighten the dish. They add a fresh taste and a pop of color. You can mix these fruits right in, or layer them for a pretty look. To keep your Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the cooled bake in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then put it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can last for about three months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps the texture soft and warm. You can also use the microwave, but it may not keep the same texture. Heat it in 30-second intervals, checking often. You can easily adjust portions for your gatherings. If you have a big crowd, simply double the recipe. Use two baking dishes if needed. This makes it perfect for brunches or family get-togethers. Each dish serves about eight to ten people, so you can feed a lot! How do I make Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake ahead of time? You can prepare it the night before. Just mix all the ingredients as usual. Place the dish in the fridge overnight. Bake it in the morning. This saves time and is so easy! Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe? Yes, you can! Brioche or challah works well. They add a nice texture and flavor. Just make sure to cut them into cubes like the French bread. What can I substitute for maple syrup? You can use honey or agave syrup instead. Both add sweetness without changing the taste too much. You can also skip the syrup and use fruit preserves. Why is my French toast bake soggy? If it’s soggy, it might not have soaked long enough. Ensure the bread sits in the egg mix for about 10 minutes. Also, check your oven temperature. It should be at 350°F (175°C). How do I know when it’s fully cooked? Look for a golden brown top! You can also insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done. Let it rest for a bit before serving. What can I serve with Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake? Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a nice touch, too. Fresh fruit on the side is great for color and flavor. Is this recipe suitable for special occasions? Absolutely! It’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or family gatherings. The warm, cozy flavors make it a crowd-pleaser. Everyone will love it! You have all the steps to make a delightful Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake. We covered the key ingredients, easy preparation, and baking tips. Remember to let the bread soak well. Customize it with your favorite fruits or nuts for extra flavor. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and will impress your guests. Now, gather your ingredients and start baking a delicious treat! You won't regret it.

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake

A delicious and comforting 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 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small cubes
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans (optional, for added crunch)
  • 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
  • to taste powdered sugar for dusting (optional, for a sweet finish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
  • Gently fold the cubed French bread into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is coated. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes, so the bread can absorb the flavors and moisture.
  • While the bread is soaking, take a medium bowl and toss the diced apples with a tablespoon of granulated sugar and a pinch of ground cinnamon. This will enhance their sweetness and flavor.
  • In the greased baking dish, layer half of the soaked bread mixture evenly across the bottom. Then, add half of the diced apples on top, and sprinkle with half of the chopped pecans if using. Repeat the layering process with the remaining bread, apples, and pecans for a beautifully stacked bake.
  • Drizzle the pure maple syrup generously over the top layer, allowing it to seep through the layers for added sweetness.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown and the center is set.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. When ready to serve, dust the top with powdered sugar for a delightful presentation.

Notes

Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Keyword apple, baked, brunch, cinnamon, French toast