Oh my goodness, if you are looking for a cozy brunch recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Baked French Toast with Apples! This dish brings back memories of weekend mornings spent gathered around the breakfast table with family, laughter echoing off the walls, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house. There’s just something so nostalgic about it – maybe it’s because it reminds me of the breakfasts my mom would whip up, or perhaps it’s the fact that it feels a bit like dessert for breakfast. Either way, I know once you try this, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home as well!
What makes this recipe so special is not just how ridiculously easy it is to whip together, but also how the sweet and spiced apples perfectly complement the fluffy French toast base. It’s a delightful combination that tastes as good as it looks. Plus, you can prepare it the night before for those lazy brunches when you just want to sleep in a little longer. So grab your favorite loaf of bread, and let’s get cooking!
What’s in Baked French Toast with Apples?
Brioche or Challah Bread: These rich, soft loaves provide the perfect base for our French toast. Their light and fluffy texture soak up the egg mixture beautifully. I love using brioche, but if you can find challah, it adds a wonderful sweetness!
Eggs: The glue that holds everything together! They create a lovely custard-like consistency when mixed with milk.
Milk: Whole milk gives this dish a creamy texture, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand, including almond or oat milk.
Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way in balancing the flavors.
Vanilla Extract: This is where the magic happens! Adds depth to the dish and makes it smell heavenly.
Ground Cinnamon: A must-have spice for that warm, comforting flavor that dances gracefully with the apples.
Salt: Enhances all the goodness, ensuring that nothing tastes flat.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp apples add a nice sweetness! Use whatever variety tickles your fancy!
Brown Sugar: This takes the apple topping to a whole new level with its rich, caramel-like flavor.
Unsalted Butter: A drizzle of melted butter on top creates a deliciously crispy, golden layer that is hard to resist!
Powdered Sugar: For a touch of sweet finishing, dust it over when serving.
Is Baked French Toast with Apples Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—while we’re not exactly calling this a health food, it does have its perks!
Brioche/Challah Bread: While these are indeed more decadent than your standard sandwich bread, they do offer a satisfying dose of carbs to fuel your day. Enjoy in moderation!
Apples: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, apples are a fantastic addition. Those Granny Smiths are low in calories but high in flavor, boosting your dish with all that natural goodness.
Cinnamon: Besides adding a delightful taste and aroma, this spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. So basically, it’s like you’re doing your body a favor while indulging!
Now, I won’t pretend it’s all healthy. The added sugars and butter do ramp up the calorie count, so it’s perfect for special occasions or when you just need a sweet escape.
Ingredients
– 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into thick slices (about 10-12 slices)
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3-4 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
This recipe serves about 6-8 hungry brunch enthusiasts!
How to Make Baked French Toast with Apples?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to keep things from sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt until it looks like a creamy dream.
3. Arrange those beautiful bread slices in the baking dish, overlapping them if necessary (a little artistry never hurt anyone!). Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice gets some love. Press down gently to let the bread soak up all that custard-y goodness.
4. In a separate bowl, toss together your sliced apples, brown sugar, and that extra teaspoon of cinnamon until the apples are all nice and coated.
5. Now layer those glorious apple slices on top of the soaked bread. Drizzle the melted butter over everything—this is where the magic happens!
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, take off the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are soft and fragrant.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes once you take it out, then serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar if you like.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Delight!
– Pair it with crispy bacon or sausage to bring a savory contrast to your sweet French toast.
– Drizzle some maple syrup over the top if you’re feeling adventurous. The caramelized apples already add sweetness, but hey, it’s brunch!
– If you want a decadent twist, try adding some whipped cream on top. Because why not treat yourself?
Now, before you run off to the kitchen, I just want to say that I encourage you to give this Baked French Toast with Apples a try. It’s perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday. And remember, I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!
