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The foundation of a great Apple Pie Baked French Toast lies in the preparation of the apples. For this dish, choose a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, to create a balanced flavor profile. As you prepare the apples, peel, core, and slice them into even pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. This uniformity ensures that the apples cook evenly during baking.

Apple Pie Baked French Toast

Discover the warm, nostalgic flavors of Apple Pie Baked French Toast, a delightful twist on a breakfast favorite. This easy-to-make dish combines rich, custardy French toast with sweet apples and aromatic spices, creating the perfect centerpiece for family gatherings or cozy weekends. With simple steps for preparation, you can serve a crowd while enjoying the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Elevate your brunch experience with this indulgent recipe!

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of challah bread (about 16 ounces), sliced into thick pieces

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

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

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions
 

Prep the Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, half of the ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon), and nutmeg. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

    Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and remaining ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon). Ensure it’s well combined and set aside.

      Assemble the Bake: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Place half of the bread slices in the dish, slightly overlapping them. Evenly distribute the apple mixture on top of the bread, then layer the remaining slices of bread over the apples.

        Pour the Custard: Gently pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and apples, making sure all pieces are well soaked. Lightly press down on the bread to help soak up the custard. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

          Preheat and Prepare for Baking: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.

            Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of remaining cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the soaked bread.

              Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Serve: Let the baked French toast cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with an optional drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

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