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An oval baked filled with apple baked French toast next to a bowl of apples and syrup.
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Apple Baked French Toast

Apple baked French toast is a tasty breakfast that can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chill 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 264kcal
Author Kate @ I Heart Eating

Equipment

  • 9x13 pan

Ingredients

Casserole

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of one orange
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 16 ounce loaf brioche bread day old

Topping

  • 3 ½ cups peeled and sliced baking apples about 4 large apples
  • 1/3 cup salted butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar light brown or dark brown
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Grease a 9”x13” casserole dish. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, apple cider, half and half, maple syrup, vanilla extract, orange zest, salt, cinnamon, and ginger until smooth and well combined.
  • Cut the bread into 3/4 inch slices then line them up in the pan slightly overlapping them in the center.
  • Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices and set aside.
  • Heat up a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add the butter and heat until it melts and turns foamy.
  • Add in the brown sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, and ginger and stir until well combined.
  • Add in the apples and stir to coat. Cook, stirring until the apples are softened, but still have a bite to them and the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Evenly spoon the warm apples and sauce over the top of the soaked bread, making sure to gently spoon some of the apples down in between the slices.
  • Cover with plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours.
  • Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before you plan to bake it to take the chill off it.
  • Preheat the oven to 350℉.
  • Cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Carefully uncover and continue baking for an an additional 20-25 minutes or until the center is cooked through and the bread is puffed and golden brown.
  • Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
  • Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Apple cider: Fresh apple cider or shelf-stable apple cider will work. 
  • Half-and-half: You could substitute whole milk for the half and half. Skim milk isn't rich enough for this recipe.
  • Maple syrup: Honey or brown sugar can be used in place of the maple syrup. If using honey, reduce the amount to 3 tablespoons as honey is sweeter than maple syrup.
  • Spices: You can substitute an equal amount of apple pie spice for the spices.
  • Brioche bread: You could substitute the brioche with another hearty bread like challah or Italian bread. Make sure the slices are on the thicker side. If the slices are too thin, they could fall apart.
  • Apples: Any firm baking apples such as Fuji, Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith will work.
  • Salted butter: Or substitute unsalted butter + a pinch of salt.
  • Nutrition values are estimates. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 154mg | Sodium: 277mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 553IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1mg