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- 1 loaf of challah bread - 3 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup brown sugar For this dish, I love using challah bread. It gives a lovely sweetness and soft texture. Eggs, milk, and cream create a rich custard. Brown sugar adds depth and sweetness. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Vanilla extract brings a warm aroma. Ground cinnamon is key for that cozy flavor. Nutmeg adds a nice, subtle spice. - 2 large apples (preferably Granny Smith) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving I like using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. They balance the sweetness. Walnuts add a nice crunch but are optional. Maple syrup and powdered sugar make great toppings. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to bring this dish to life! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together: - 3 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg This mix will give your casserole a rich flavor. - Add 1 loaf of cubed challah bread and toss gently to coat all pieces. - Fold in 2 diced apples and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts if you like. Ensure everything is mixed well. - Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. - Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. When done, let it cool a bit before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar for that perfect touch. For the full recipe, check back again! Soaking is key for great flavor. It allows bread to absorb all the tasty custard. Aim for about 10-15 minutes of soaking. This gives enough time for the bread to get soft. If you soak too long, the bread can become soggy. To prevent this, keep an eye on the time. You want the bread moist, not mushy. For a lovely finish, drizzle warm maple syrup over the casserole. It adds a sweet touch that pairs well with the apples. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. These toppings make each bite feel special. If you sprinkle some cinnamon on top, it looks even better! Choose a 9x13 inch baking dish for the best results. This size helps the casserole cook evenly. A sturdy whisk is great for mixing the custard. Use a spatula to ensure all the bread gets coated well. A sharp knife will help you cut the casserole into neat pieces. Enjoy your time in the kitchen as you prepare this delicious dish! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up your Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole with different breads. Try brioche or sourdough for a unique twist. Each bread adds its own flavor and texture. You can also add other fruits like berries. Strawberries or blueberries can brighten each bite. Mix and match to find your perfect combo. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty choices that work well. For those who avoid dairy, use almond milk or oat milk in the custard. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich flavor without dairy. To add some crunch, sprinkle nuts, seeds, or granola on top before baking. Walnuts or pecans work well and boost flavor. You can also use flavored syrups, like caramel or chocolate. They can add a sweet touch that takes this dish to the next level. Remember, you can find the full recipe above to guide your creative journey! To keep your cinnamon apple French toast casserole fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place leftover casserole in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to two months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with foil. When you're ready to enjoy the casserole again, reheating is key: - Best methods: Use the oven to reheat. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. - Avoiding sogginess: Cover with foil to retain moisture, but uncover for the last few minutes. This helps crisp the top while warming the inside. Knowing how long your casserole lasts is important: - Typical duration in the fridge: It stays fresh for three days. After that, the taste may change. - Signs of spoilage: Look for changes in color, smell, or texture. If it smells off or looks dry, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your cinnamon apple French toast casserole while it’s fresh! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. To do this, follow these steps: - Make the custard mixture and add the bread. - Place the mixture in your greased baking dish. - Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge overnight. - In the morning, simply bake it as directed. This method allows the bread to soak up the flavors. If you cannot find challah, don’t worry! Here are some great alternatives: - Brioche: This sweet bread adds a rich flavor. - French bread: This works well and gives a nice texture. - Whole wheat bread: For a healthier option, try this. - Gluten-free bread: If you need gluten-free, many brands offer good choices. Absolutely! You can use many fruits in this casserole. Here are a few tasty options: - Pears: They add a sweet, soft touch. - Berries: Blueberries or strawberries bring a fresh flavor. - Peaches: These add a nice sweetness and juiciness. - Bananas: They create a creamy texture and pair well with cinnamon. Experiment with different fruits to find your favorite mix! For the full recipe, check out the Cinnamon Apple Delight French Toast Casserole. This article shows you how to make a delicious cinnamon apple French toast casserole. You learned about the key ingredients like challah bread, eggs, and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. You discovered tips for soaking and serving, plus variations for special diets. Enjoy this dish warm, topped with maple syrup or whipped cream. It's a great way to brighten your breakfast table! Experiment with flavors and have fun with your choices.

Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole

Indulge in the heavenly flavors of Cinnamon Apple Delight French Toast Casserole! This delicious dish combines creamy custard-soaked challah bread, fresh apples, and warm spices for the perfect breakfast treat. Ready in just an hour, it's perfect for gatherings or family brunch. Want to impress your loved ones? Click through for the full recipe and tips on presentation that will make this casserole a showstopper at your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of challah bread, cubed (about 8 cups)

3 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/4 cup maple syrup (for drizzling)

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

      Add the cubed challah bread to the bowl and toss gently to coat all pieces. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes to soak up the custard.

        Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using) and mix until evenly distributed.

          Pour the bread mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

            Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

              After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

                Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle maple syrup over the top and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve warm with extra maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch!