Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake
User Reviews
5
Overnight Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake
Description
This recipe begins by sautéing peeled, diced apples in butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until just tender. The mixture cools while layers are assembled in a greased 9×13 baking dish: bread cubes, half the apples and cream cheese, then the remaining bread and apples. A custard of beaten eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and remaining cinnamon is poured evenly over the layered bread.
Covered and refrigerated for at least two hours or overnight, this allows the bread to thoroughly absorb the custard. Before baking, pecans are sprinkled on top. The dish is baked covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until golden and set.
The casserole offers a warm, custardy texture with tender apple notes and bursts of cream cheese. This dish makes a flavorful, make-ahead breakfast or brunch option that benefits from the sweet spice blend and toasted nuts.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 3 apple peeled and diced, large
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon divided
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf brioche bread cubed
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese cubed
- 12 egg beaten, large
- 2 cups milk whole
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup pecans chopped
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add apples and cook, stirring often, until just tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; continue cooking until sugar has dissolved, about 1-2 minutes. Let cool.
- Lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Place a layer of bread cubes evenly into the baking dish. Top with cream cheese and half the apple mixture in an even layer. Top with remaining bread cubes and remaining apple mixture.
- In a large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Pour mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove baking dish from the refrigerator; let stand 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with pecans; place into oven and bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover; continue to bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and center is firm.
- Serve immediately, sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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