Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole

IMG_0885

Our kids LOVE breakfast for dinner.  When I asked them last week what type of breakfast food they wanted me to add to the weekly meal plan they unanimously said French toast  It’s been awhile since we had it, so I was glad to comply.  Luckily, last week’s weather was amazing!  Even though it’s now officially summer, it wasn’t too hot or too cold, so I didn’t mind putting the oven on for an hour.  What’s great about most French toast casseroles, including this one, is that they can be made the night before.  Although they take some time to bake in the oven, all or most of the prep work is already done.  I’ve made many French toast casseroles but this is definitely one of the best!  With the milk, heavy cream, eggs and butter, this isn’t something that I want to be making every week. However, it is REALLY good and I know that I’ll be making it again. While Ree from The Pioneer Woman recommends topping this casserole with butter and maple syrup I have to tell you that this is sweet enough and moist enough that we did not need the extras.  If you are looking for a French toast casserole, I highly recommend this one!

Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole
Recipe slightly adapted from The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients:

FOR THE FRENCH TOAST:
1 loaf French Bread
8  Eggs
2 cups Milk
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
3/4 cups Sugar
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

FOR THE TOPPING
2 apples peeled and diced
1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
1/2 cup Firmly Packed Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 stick Cold Butter, Cut Into Pieces

Directions:
Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Cube the bread and put into the baking dish.

In a medium sized bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Pour evenly over the bread. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Remove casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the peeled, diced apple pieces onto the casserole.

In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the butter pieces and cut them into the dry mixture forming small crumbs.  Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the bread and apple mixture.  Bake in the preheated oven for one hour.  Let cool for ten minutes then serve and enjoy!

nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com