Apple Pie Baked French Toast

When it comes to breakfast or brunch, few dishes can compete with the comforting allure of baked French toast. This classic dish, known for its delightful combination of eggs, milk, and bread, transforms into something truly extraordinary with the addition of caramelized apples and pie-inspired flavors. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples melding with warm, baked custard and soft, pillowy bread. Caramelized Apple Pie Baked French Toast is a dish that not only satisfies your morning cravings but can also double as a delicious dessert, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Caramelized Apple Pie Baked French Toast, a delightful blend of classic breakfast and dessert. Featuring soft challah bread soaked in a rich custard, topped with sweet and tangy caramelized apples, this dish is a showstopper for brunches or special gatherings. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen as you create a beautiful, golden-brown treat that's sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients

1 loaf of challah bread (approximately 16 ounces), cut into thick slices

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2-3 medium apples, ideally Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, half of the ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon), and nutmeg. Toss well to coat the apples evenly. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld and the apples can release some juices.

Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and the remaining ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon). Ensure all ingredients are well blended and set this custard aside.

Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the unsalted butter. Layer half of the bread slices in the dish, slightly overlapping them. Evenly distribute the apple mixture over these slices, ensuring to spread the apples for an even bite. Finally, layer the remaining bread slices on top of the apple filling.

Pour the Custard: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and apple. Make sure to soak all pieces of bread. Gently press down on the top layer to help it absorb the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is recommended for best texture.

Prepare for Baking: When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature while the oven finishes preheating to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Topping: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the brown sugar and a tablespoon of the remaining cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the soaked bread.

Bake: Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Serve: Once baked, let the caramelized apple French toast cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and an optional dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful finish.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

20 minutes | 1 hour (plus chilling time) | 8 servings