Upside Down Apple French Toast Bake (Make-ahead!)
User Reviews
5
Upside Down Apple French Toast Bake (Make-ahead!)
Description
The recipe starts by cooking apples in butter along with brown sugar, apple cider, and warming spices including cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg until tender and syrupy. These spiced apples form the flavorful bottom layer in a baking dish. Thick slices of French bread are layered over the apples to create a base.
An egg custard combining eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt is slowly poured over the bread, allowing it to soak thoroughly. After pressing the bread lightly, the dish is wrapped and chilled for at least 8 hours to let the liquid fully absorb, resulting in a moist, custardy texture after baking.
Baking uncovered yields a golden, crisp top with soft, tender bread beneath, balanced by the warm, spiced apple layer. This dish serves well warm or at room temperature, making it convenient for sharing at brunches or potluck events.
The bake can be prepared in advance and reheated gently to maintain texture. Thinly sliced apples and the combination of warm spices give this dish a classic autumnal flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 4 TB butter salted
- 6 large apple peeled and sliced very thin, Granny Smith variety
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 TB apple cider
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves ground
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- pinch table salt
- 1 loaf French bread sliced to 1-inch thick (8-10 slices)
- 4 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups milk I use whole
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract pure
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp table salt
Instructions
- In a large heavy skillet, combine butter and apples over medium heat. Allow butter to melt, cooking and stirring for 5 minutes. Add brown sugar, cider, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and pinch of salt. Cook and stir 7 minutes or until apples are tender and sauce is thickened. Spread mixture into a 9x13 baking dish.
- Layer bread slices over the apples, covering the entire surface. Trim pieces of bread to fit, if needed.
- In a bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Whisk in the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Slowly and gently pour egg mixture over the bread slices, taking time to let the liquid soak through tops of bread to ensure even coating. Press down lightly on bread to ensure soaking. Cover dish with plastic wrap and chill 8 hours or overnight.
- Remove casserole from fridge 30 minutes before baking; meanwhile, preheat oven to 350F. Bake uncovered 35-40 minutes or just until bread tops are golden and the edges are crisp. Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes at room temp before cutting into it. To serve, carefully cut individual servings and invert pieces so the apples face up. Serve with maple syrup.
Notes
- This French toast bake is enjoyable warm or at room temperature, suitable for potlucks and brunches.
- The dish keeps well at room temperature, offering flexible serving options.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 296 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 296kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 75mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 297mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 261mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 32g | 64% |
| Vitamin A | 309IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 89mg | 9% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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