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To make this tasty dish, gather these items: - 1 loaf of challah bread, cut into cubes - 3 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The bread gives a soft base, while the eggs bind everything. The milk adds creaminess, and the applesauce brings moisture. Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth and spice. The apples add a fresh crunch, and walnuts add a nice texture. Measuring helps keep your bake just right. Use a standard measuring cup or spoon for accuracy. This way, you get perfect flavor and texture each time. You can tweak this recipe to match your taste. Here are some ideas: - Swap the challah for brioche or sourdough for different flavors. - Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness. - Try adding a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist. - Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. - Top with fresh berries or bananas before serving for added color and taste. Feel free to mix and match according to your preference! You can find the Full Recipe above for step-by-step guidance. To start, gather all your ingredients. You need a loaf of challah bread, eggs, milk, applesauce, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, apples, and walnuts if you want. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. 2. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Add the milk, applesauce, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Mix until everything blends well. 3. Cut the bread into cubes and add them to the greased dish. Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts if you use them. 1. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Make sure all pieces get coated. 2. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. You can leave it overnight for more flavor. 3. Remove the dish from the fridge. Let it sit for 10 minutes at room temperature. 4. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and a set center. Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if you like. Serve warm and consider adding extra diced apples on top. A drizzle of maple syrup makes it even sweeter! Enjoy your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake delight, and for a full recipe, check the details above! When making apple cinnamon French toast bake, avoid some common mistakes. First, do not skip the chilling step. Chilling lets the bread soak up all the egg mix. If you skip this, the bake may turn out dry. Also, use stale bread if you can. Fresh bread can get too soggy. Stale bread holds up better during baking. To get the best texture, use a variety of apples. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp gives sweetness. Mix them for a balanced flavor. Also, make sure to bake until golden brown on top. The center should feel firm, not wet. This shows it is done and will taste great. Having the right tools makes this recipe easier. Here are some must-haves: - 9x13-inch baking dish: Perfect for even cooking. - Whisk: Great for mixing wet ingredients well. - Cutting board: Helps with chopping apples safely. - Sharp knife: For easy apple slicing. - Plastic wrap: To cover the dish while chilling. Using these tools will help you create a delicious apple cinnamon French toast bake. For full details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can use many types of bread for your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake. Each type brings its unique taste and texture. Here are some great choices: - Brioche: This soft, buttery bread adds a rich flavor. - Sourdough: The tangy taste of sourdough balances the sweetness well. - Whole Wheat: This option is hearty and adds fiber. - Gluten-Free Bread: Perfect for gluten-sensitive eaters. Mix and match these breads based on what you have. Each will give a different twist to your dish. You can easily customize your French toast bake to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas: - Fruits: Add berries, bananas, or raisins for extra sweetness. - Spices: Try adding ginger or cardamom for a warm kick. - Nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds add crunch and flavor. - Chocolate Chips: For a sweet treat, fold in some chocolate chips. Feel free to get creative! Each addition can change the dish completely. If you want to make this recipe healthier, there are simple swaps you can try: - Eggs: Use egg whites instead of whole eggs to cut fat. - Milk: Choose almond milk or oat milk for a lighter option. - Applesauce: You can use unsweetened applesauce to cut added sugars. - Nuts: Swap walnuts for sunflower seeds if you want a nut-free option. These swaps keep your dish tasty but lower in calories. Enjoy the same great taste with healthier ingredients! To keep your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake fresh, store it in the fridge. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep it moist. It can last up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, try freezing it. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat this dish easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking tray. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm. To freeze your French toast bake, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps keep the flavor fresh. It can stay in the freezer for up to two months. To thaw, take it out of the freezer a day before. Leave it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy your delicious meal anytime! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. I often prepare it the night before. Just follow the steps up to pouring the egg mixture over the bread. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge. This allows the bread to soak up the flavors overnight. When you're ready to bake, simply take it out and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then bake it as directed in the Full Recipe. To make this dish dairy-free, you can swap the whole milk with a plant-based milk. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk work great. Use the same amount as the recipe states. For the eggs, you can use a flaxseed or chia seed mixture as a substitute. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it gels. This mixture will help bind the dish just like eggs do. I love to serve this dish with fresh fruit. Slices of bananas, berries, or extra diced apples make a great topping. Drizzling more maple syrup over the top adds sweetness. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt for creaminess. Some crispy bacon or sausage links on the side will give a savory touch. Enjoy exploring these additions! In this post, I covered the key steps to make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake. We explored the ingredients you need and how to customize them. I walked you through preparation, baking, and serving suggestions. We discussed tips to avoid common mistakes and achieve the best texture. My final thought: this dish is easy and fun to make. Enjoy testing out different flavors and sharing it with friends and family. You will impress everyone with your delicious creation!

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Indulge in a warm and comforting Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch! This easy recipe combines delicious challah bread, fresh apples, and a sweet custard, all topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Follow our simple steps from prep to bake, and enjoy every cozy bite. Click through for the full recipe and make your mornings special with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of challah bread, cut into cubes

3 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

    In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, applesauce, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup until well combined.

      Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, then gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts if using.

        Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are well coated.

          Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

            Remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

              Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 8-10

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve warm from the oven, garnished with extra diced apples on top and a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.