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To make this Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake, you will need: - 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces You can enhance the dish with these optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup chopped pecans for added crunch - Powdered sugar for dusting, giving it a sweet touch - Maple syrup for drizzling, which adds a rich flavor If you have dietary needs, consider these swaps: - Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option - Choose gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version - For a nut-free option, skip the pecans and use sunflower seeds instead {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Use butter or cooking spray to help the bake come out easily. This step is key to avoid any sticky mess. Grab a loaf of challah or brioche bread. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. Spread these cubes evenly in your greased baking dish. Make sure they are not packed too tightly. This helps them soak up the custard well. In a large bowl, add three large eggs. Pour in two cups of whole milk or almond milk if you prefer dairy-free. Mix in half a cup of brown sugar, one tablespoon of vanilla extract, one tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and half a teaspoon of grated nutmeg. Whisk it all together until smooth. This mixture is what makes your French toast bake creamy and rich. Now, take three medium apples. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces. If you like, chop half a cup of pecans for extra crunch. Gently fold the apples and nuts into the custard mixture. Ensure every piece is coated well. This adds great flavor and texture. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press down. Make sure all the bread pieces soak in the custard. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake it for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup! Select bread that is sturdy and thick. Challah and brioche work well. They soak up the custard without falling apart. Look for bread that is a day or two old. Fresh bread can become too soft. If you can, buy bread from a local bakery. The flavor will be better and more unique. To keep the bake from being too soggy, you want to use the right ratio of custard. Make sure your bread absorbs the mixture evenly. Press down gently on the bread after adding the custard. This helps it soak without becoming mushy. Avoid letting the mixture sit too long before baking. Bake it right away for the best texture. Slice the French toast bake into squares for serving. If you want to impress, dust each piece with powdered sugar. The white sugar looks nice against the golden bread. Drizzle warm maple syrup over each slice for a sweet touch. You can also add fresh fruit on the side. Apples, berries, or bananas add color and flavor. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy meal. Pro Tips Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use slightly stale bread. It will absorb the custard mixture better, preventing the bake from becoming too soggy. Customize Your Apples: Try different varieties of apples for varied flavors. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the dish. Make Ahead: Prepare the French toast bake the night before and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for an easy breakfast. Serve Warm: This dish is best served warm. Reheat leftovers in the oven for a few minutes to restore its delicious texture. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the apples in this dish. Pears are a great choice. They add sweetness and a soft texture. You can also try berries like blueberries or strawberries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if your fruits are very sweet. Adding spices can make this dish even better. Try nutmeg or allspice for a warm flavor. You could also mix in some orange zest for a fresh twist. Almond extract can replace vanilla for a nutty touch. Each spice change gives your French toast bake a new taste. You can make this dish vegan too! Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. Replace the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Just check the labels to make sure they fit your needs. These swaps keep the taste yummy while fitting your diet. After you enjoy your Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake, let it cool down. Then, cut it into squares. Place the squares in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge. It will last for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the squares in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. In the microwave, place one square on a plate. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Make sure it is warm all the way through. If you want to store it for a long time, freezing is a great option. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can prepare this dish the night before. Just make the custard and pour it over the bread cubes. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge. This method saves time and adds flavor. You can use almond milk or oat milk as a substitute for dairy milk. These options work well and keep the dish creamy. You can also try coconut milk for a slightly different taste. Each choice brings its own flavor, so pick one you enjoy. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bake is ready. The top should look golden brown. If the top is browning too fast, you can cover it with foil. This helps it bake evenly without burning. Yes, you can omit the nuts if you prefer. The bake will still taste great without them. If you want some crunch, you can add a sprinkle of granola. This way, you keep the texture while making it nut-free. This blog post covered all the key steps for a tasty bake. I shared essential ingredients, both main and optional. You learned how to prepare and bake the dish, plus tips for choosing bread and preventing sogginess. Variations let you customize flavors and cater to diets. Storage tips ensure your leftovers stay fresh. Try these ideas in your kitchen. You’ll impress your family and friends with your baking skills!

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake

Indulge in this delicious Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake, an easy French toast casserole perfect for breakfast gatherings. Made with challah or brioche, it's a delightful apple cinnamon breakfast bake that everyone will love. Plus, it's easy to adapt as a dairy-free French toast recipe using almond milk. Savor the flavors of autumn with every bite! Pin this recipe for your next brunch! #CinnamonAppleFrenchToastBake #EasyFrenchToastCasserole #AppleCinnamonBreakfastBake #DairyFreeFrenchToastRecipe
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 large eggs

2 cups whole milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional for added crunch)

Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Maple syrup, for drizzling before serving

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the bake from sticking.

    Prepare the Bread: Take the cubed challah or brioche bread and evenly distribute it in the greased baking dish, making sure the pieces are spread out uniformly.

      Create the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and grated nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

        Incorporate the Apples: Carefully fold the diced apples and optional chopped pecans into the egg mixture, ensuring that the fruits are evenly coated.

          Combine Bread and Egg Mixture: Pour the custard mixture over the prepared cubed bread in the baking dish. Press down gently with a spatula or your hands to ensure that all the bread pieces are submerged in the custard and are absorbing the flavors.

            Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

              Serve with Style: Allow the French toast bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish and serve warm with maple syrup drizzled generously over each slice.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 8