Baked Apple Cider French Toast

Baked Apple Cider French Toast is a delightful dish that captures the essence of cozy mornings and autumn vibes. It combines the comforting flavors of freshly baked bread, spiced apples, and the unmistakable aroma of apple cider. This dish is not just a breakfast; it’s a heartfelt experience that brings family and friends together. Imagine waking up to the rich scent of sweet apples and cinnamon wafting through your home, inviting everyone to gather around the table. With each bite, you’ll savor the warm, soft bread soaked in a rich custard made with eggs, apple cider, and spices, all topped with tender, caramelized apples and crunchy pecans.

Not only is Baked Apple Cider French Toast a treat for the senses, but it is also versatile and perfect for various occasions, from everyday breakfasts to festive gatherings. You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, making it an ideal recipe for busy mornings or holiday feasts. Drizzle it with maple syrup or salted caramel sauce, and you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress everyone.

This recipe is straightforward and simple to follow, ensuring that even novice cooks can whip up a delicious breakfast with ease. Let’s dive into the delicious details of how to prepare this treat!

Ingredients about Baked Apple Cider French Toast

List of ingredients with measurements

To make Baked Apple Cider French Toast, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread or sourdough bread or challah
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch slices
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup pecan halves
• Confectioners sugar for serving
• Maple syrup for serving
• Salted caramel sauce for serving

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you’re missing some ingredients or aiming for a different flavor profile, here are a few substitutions you can consider:

• Instead of French bread or challah, you can use brioche or a gluten-free bread of choice.
• You can swap whole milk for almond milk or oat milk for a lactose-free version.
• If you don’t have brown sugar, granulated sugar or coconut sugar can work as alternatives.
• For a nut-free option, replace pecans with pumpkin seeds or simply omit nuts.

How to Make Baked Apple Cider French Toast

Step 1: Slice the bread

Start by slicing the bread into 1-inch wide pieces. Lay the slices out on a cooling rack or a plate and let them sit uncovered for several hours or up to a day. This step helps the bread to dry out a bit, making it better at soaking up the custard mixture later.

Step 2: Prepare the baking dish

While the bread is drying, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it with butter or cooking spray. This ensures that your French toast will come out easily once it’s baked. Prepping the dish beforehand saves you time and avoids any sticking issues.

Step 3: Make the custard mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, apple cider, whole milk, brown sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until it’s well combined. You should have a smooth, creamy mixture. This custard is what will soak into the bread, giving it that rich flavor and texture.

Step 4: Assemble the French toast

Next, take each slice of bread and dip it into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are soaked. You’ll want to let the bread absorb the liquid for a few seconds. Place the soaked slices in the greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Pour any leftover custard over the top of the bread.

Step 5: Cook the apples

In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced apples along with the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Cook this mixture for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples have softened but still hold their shape. At the end of cooking, stir in the pecans, which will add crunch to your dish.

Step 6: Top and refrigerate

Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the top of the soaked bread slices. Pour any remaining sauce from the skillet over everything in the baking dish. It’s important to cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours and up to a day. This extra time helps the bread soak up the flavorful custard.

Step 7: Bake the French toast

When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the fridge and uncover it. Bake the casserole for 20 minutes until it starts to set. After that, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes. Your French toast will be ready when it’s puffed up and firm in the center.

Step 8: Cool and serve

Once baked, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar for a touch of sweetness, or drizzle maple syrup or salted caramel sauce over the top for a decadent finish. Serve warm, and enjoy this wonderful breakfast!

How to Serve Baked Apple Cider French Toast

Best ways to serve Baked Apple Cider French Toast

Baked Apple Cider French Toast is best served warm, fresh from the oven. The sweetness of the caramelized apples combined with the soft, custardy bread makes it a perfect dish to enjoy with family and friends. For a more festive presentation, consider layering it with extra apple slices, chopped pecans, and dusting it with powdered sugar.

Serving suggestions or pairings

To complement the richness of this dish, you could serve it alongside some crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast. Additionally, a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, can add a refreshing touch to your meal. Pair your French toast with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of fresh apple cider for a delightful breakfast experience.

How to Store Baked Apple Cider French Toast

Proper storage methods

If you have leftovers (which is rare due to how delicious it is!), allow the Baked Apple Cider French Toast to cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for reheating or freezing

When reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Alternatively, place the entire baking dish back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent it from drying out. If you want to freeze the Baked Apple Cider French Toast, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil after cooling. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the reheating instructions above.

Tips to Make Baked Apple Cider French Toast

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is not letting the bread sit out long enough to dry. Using fresh, soft bread will result in soggy French toast that doesn’t hold its shape. Ensure that your bread has dried out a bit before soaking it in the custard mixture. Additionally, be careful not to overbake; this can lead to a dry texture.

Helpful tips for better results

For the best flavor, use high-quality apple cider that you enjoy drinking. The spices can also be adjusted according to your tastes—don’t hesitate to experiment with more cinnamon or even a pinch of nutmeg if you’d like. Lastly, don’t forget to let the dish cool a bit before serving; this allows the custard to set a bit more and makes serving easier.

Variation of Baked Apple Cider French Toast

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

Feel free to customize your Baked Apple Cider French Toast with various fruits like pears or berries instead of apples. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum to the apple mixture for a more adult flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, add chocolate chips to the custard for a sweet surprise.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be modified. Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version, and swap out the eggs for a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan option. Almond milk or coconut milk can be a lovely substitute for those who are lactose intolerant.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your Baked Apple Cider French Toast turns out soggy, it might be due to using overly soft bread or not letting it sit long enough to dry out. If it’s too dry, check your baking time; it may need less time in the oven. Additionally, make sure your custard mixture is thoroughly combined and that you soaked the bread well without skimping on the mixture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! One of the best features of Baked Apple Cider French Toast is that it can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare everything, assemble it in the dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day for a delicious breakfast with minimal effort.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

There are plenty of alternatives! If you can’t find apple cider, you can replace it with apple juice or a mix of apple juice diluted with a bit of water. Don’t have pecans? Any nut or seed, or even leaving them out entirely, will work. For sweeteners, feel free to substitute maple syrup or honey for the brown sugar if you prefer a natural sweetener.

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