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As the morning sun streams through the kitchen window, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baked French toast wafting through the air. This delightful dish combines the warmth of custard-soaked bread with the sweet and spicy allure of cinnamon and apples, making it a perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch table. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or enjoying a leisurely weekend meal with family, this Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast Delight is sure to impress and satisfy.

Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast

Start your mornings with the delicious warmth of Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast Delight. This easy-to-make dish features custard-soaked thick-cut bread layered with sweet, tart apples and a hint of cinnamon, making it perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven for effortless serving. Customize with nuts or toppings like maple syrup for an extra touch. Gather loved ones around the table and indulge in this comforting masterpiece!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of thick-cut French bread (about 10-12 slices)

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Maple syrup for serving (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Prep the Bread:

    - Cut the French bread into cubes (about 1-inch pieces). Place them in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

      Make the Apple Mixture:

        - In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, half of the sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well and allow the apples to sit for about 10 minutes to release some juices.

          Mix the Egg Mixture:

            - In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

              Combine:

                - Add the apple mixture (with any released juices) to the bowl of bread cubes, followed by the egg mixture. Gently stir until the bread is well-coated and the apples are evenly distributed. If you’re using nuts, fold them in at this stage.

                  Prepare the Baking Dish:

                    - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Pour in the French toast mixture, spreading it out evenly. Press down slightly to ensure the bread is submerged in the custard mixture.

                      Soak:

                        - Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard.

                          Bake:

                            - Remove the plastic wrap and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If it becomes too brown before cooking through, tent it with aluminum foil.

                              Serve:

                                - Allow the baked French toast to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm with maple syrup drizzled over the top.

                                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hr 10 mins | 6 servings