Apple Pie Baked French Toast Casserole

Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of warm apple pie wafting through your kitchen, combined with the comforting scent of French toast. This dreamy scenario becomes a reality with the Apple Pie Baked French Toast Casserole – a scrumptious and easy-to-make breakfast treat that brings together the classic flavors of apple pie and the beloved comfort of French toast.

Ingredients:

To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• A pinch of salt

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 3 to 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• A pinch of salt

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of rolled oats
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add the cubed French bread to the egg mixture, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Allow the bread to soak while you prepare the apple pie filling.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter for the apple pie filling. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the apples are tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Spread the soaked bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top it with the cooked apple pie filling.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the streusel topping – flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, softened butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the streusel over the apple pie filling.
7. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
8. Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Additional Tips and Variations:

1. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, enhancing the overall flavor. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven for a hassle-free and delicious breakfast.
2. Nuts and Raisins: For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or raisins into the apple pie filling or the streusel topping. These additions provide a delightful crunch and a burst of sweetness.
3. Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Elevate the indulgence by serving slices of the baked French toast casserole with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm casserole and cool creaminess is a match made in breakfast heaven.
4. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle the finished casserole with warm caramel sauce just before serving to add a decadent touch. The sweet and buttery notes of caramel complement the apple pie flavors beautifully.
5. Experiment with Apple Varieties: Choose a mix of apple varieties, such as a combination of sweet and tart, to enhance the complexity of the apple pie filling. Popular choices include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji apples.
6. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the French bread with gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure that the custard mixture is gluten-free by using gluten-free vanilla extract and checking the labels on other ingredients.
7. Serving Size Adjustments: Easily adjust the recipe to accommodate the number of servings needed. Halve the ingredients for a smaller gathering or double the recipe for a larger crowd.
8. Holiday Twist: Incorporate seasonal spices like cloves or ginger into the custard mixture for a festive touch, making this casserole perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches.

Remember, the beauty of this Apple Pie Baked French Toast Casserole lies in its versatility. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your preferences. Whether enjoyed as a weekend treat or a special occasion breakfast, this delicious dish is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household.