Imagine waking up to the most heavenly aroma of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast isn't just a recipe; it's a morning miracle that will transform your boring breakfast routine into a gourmet experience. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, family gatherings, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this dish promises to be a game-changer that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread
- 2 apples, sliced
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent the French toast from sticking.
- In a large bowl, crack the 4 eggs and whisk them until well beaten.
- Add 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the eggs. Whisk the mixture until all the ingredients are combined and the sugar is dissolved.
- Take the 6 slices of bread and cut them into cubes or triangles, depending on your preference. Add the bread to the egg mixture, gently folding to ensure all pieces are coated.
- In the greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced apples on the bottom. Then, pour half of the bread and egg mixture over the apples, spreading it evenly.
- Layer the remaining apple slices on top of the first layer of bread mixture. Pour the rest of the bread and egg mixture over the apples, ensuring all pieces are submerged.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
- Once the mixture has soaked, remove the foil and place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with maple syrup or dusted with powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture. Brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread work wonderfully and absorb the egg mixture more effectively.
- Apple Preparation: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. Slice them evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Soaking is Key: Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 10-15 minutes. This ensures the bread is fully saturated and will result in a custardy, soft interior.
- Prevent Burning: Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first part of baking to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
- Serving Suggestions: Enhance the dish with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for extra indulgence.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of ground cloves to add depth to the cinnamon flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 239kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 8g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
