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Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Start your day with a delightful Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake, a perfect blend of fluffy French bread, sweet apples, and warm spices. This comforting dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy breakfast at home. Discover step-by-step instructions for creating this nostalgic favorite, along with tips for perfecting your bake. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this scrumptious morning surprise!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of large French bread (about 14-16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Maple syrup for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed French bread with the diced apples and nuts (if using). Toss gently to distribute evenly. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

    Mix the Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

      Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the French bread and apple mix, ensuring that all the bread cubes are well-coated. Gently press down the bread to help it soak up the liquid.

        Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This allows the bread to soak up the custard.

          Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

            Add Butter: Drizzle the top of the casserole with the melted butter. This gives a lovely golden color and adds flavor.

              Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is puffed and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

                Serve: Let the French toast bake cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm with maple syrup.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 8 servings