Description
Experience the cozy flavors of Apple Pie Baked French Toast with cinnamon, apple chunks, and plant-based (natural) sweetness for a comforting and delicious breakfast treat. This recipe combines the warm spices of classic apple pie with custardy baked French toast, perfect for brunches, weekends, or any time you crave a sweet and satisfying meal with natural plant-based ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread and Fruit
- 8 thick slices of sturdy bread (brioche or challah)
- 3 cups fresh apple chunks (peeled, cored, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (natural)
- 2 tablespoons water or grape juice
For the Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups plant-based milk (natural)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries
- Smoked turkey bacon, cooked, for serving
- Homemade caramel sauce (natural) for drizzling
- Powdered sugar (natural) for dusting
- Toasted almonds for topping
- Plant-based whipped cream (natural)
- Gluten-free bread as substitute
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Mixture: Peel, core, and chop fresh apples into bite-sized chunks. In a skillet over medium heat, gently sauté the apple pieces with cinnamon (natural), nutmeg (natural), and a splash of water or grape juice until tender but still slightly firm. This softens the apples and infuses them with warm spices.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, plant-based milk (natural), maple syrup (natural), vanilla extract (natural), and the natural gelling agent until well combined and smooth. This custard will soak into the bread creating a creamy texture.
- Assemble the Dish: Slice the bread thickly and layer it in a greased baking dish, alternating with the cooked apple chunks. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples, pressing down gently to ensure all slices absorb the custard fully.
- Let it Soak: Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight. This soaking step maximizes flavor and ensures the custard penetrates deeply into the bread.
- Bake until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove foil and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and custard is set. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the top.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to soak custard better and avoid sogginess.
- Soaking time is essential for moist, flavorful bites.
- Choose crisp apples to prevent mushiness and balance sweetness.
- Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg amounts to suit spice preference.
- Check baking time to avoid drying; custard should jiggle slightly in the center.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: apple pie, baked french toast, plant-based, breakfast, brunch, cinnamon, natural sweetener