Baked Apple French Toast

This Baked Apple French Toast is a cozy and indulgent breakfast or brunch option. Soft, fluffy French toast is baked with sweetened cinnamon apples, then topped with crunchy pecans for a delightful mix of textures. It’s a great make-ahead dish for busy mornings or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 8 slices of thick bread (such as brioche, challah, or whole wheat)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Pinch of salt

For the Apple Topping:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great options)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier alternative)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

For Garnish (optional):

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Extra maple syrup or honey (for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe dish of similar size.
2. Prepare the Apple Topping:
   • In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they start to soften.
   • Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger (if using), and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the apples are tender and coated in the sugary syrup. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the French Toast Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup (if using), and a pinch of salt.
4. Assemble the French Toast:
   • Arrange the slices of bread in the prepared baking dish. You can overlap the slices slightly if needed.
   • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure all pieces are well coated. Gently press the bread down with a spoon or your hands to help it absorb the egg mixture.
   • Top the soaked bread with the cooked apples, spreading them evenly over the top.
5. Bake the French Toast:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.
   • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and the French toast is cooked through.
6. Serve:
   • Let the French toast cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with extra maple syrup or honey if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the French toast the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it in the morning for a quick, delicious breakfast.
• Add-ins: For extra flavor, add raisins, dried cranberries, or even a handful of chocolate chips to the apple topping.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and flax eggs as a substitute for the eggs and dairy.

This Baked Apple French Toast topped with pecans is a warm, comforting dish that combines the sweetness of apples, the richness of French toast, and the crunch of nuts. It’s perfect for any special occasion or a cozy weekend brunch! Enjoy!