Description
A comforting baked French toast loaf filled with tender apples and warm spices, topped with a caramelized walnut crust. Served with creamy maple butter, this cozy breakfast bake is perfect for brunch or special mornings.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 7 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 cups firm white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups chopped apples
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the maple butter by beating the softened butter until light and fluffy, then gradually mix in the maple syrup until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the bread cubes and mix gently until all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then toss with the chopped apples.
- Lightly butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan and place it in the oven to melt the butter. Remove the pan and sprinkle the brown sugar and chopped walnuts evenly over the melted butter.
- Fold the apples into the soaked bread mixture and spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing gently to level.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes until the top is golden and the center feels firm.
- Allow the loaf to cool slightly, then invert onto a serving plate. Slice and serve warm with maple butter.
Notes
- Brioche or challah bread works especially well for a richer texture.
- Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples hold their shape best when baked.
- Raisins can be added with the apples for extra sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
- Leftover slices can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
