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Baked Apple Cider French Toast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 51 reviews

This Baked Apple Cider French Toast is a comforting and flavorful breakfast casserole featuring thick slices of bread soaked in a spiced apple cider custard, layered with tender cooked apples and pecans, then baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for a special brunch or holiday morning, delivering a delightful blend of sweet, warm spices and fruity notes.

Ingredients

Scale

French Toast Base

  • 1 (12–14-ounce/340–400g) loaf French bread, brioche, or challah
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) apple cider
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • pinch cinnamon
  • pinch salt
  • 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter

Apple Mixture

  • 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (about 4 cups/500g)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider
  • 1/3 cup (67g) 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 (90g) pecan halves

For Serving

  • Confectioners’ sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Salted caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf into 1-inch-wide slices and let them sit out uncovered for a few hours or up to 1 day to dry slightly for better custard absorption. If short on time, a shortcut is mentioned in the recipe notes.
  2. Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch or similar size baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
  3. Make Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl with a pour spout, whisk together eggs, apple cider, whole milk, brown sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  4. Soak Bread Slices: Dip each bread slice into the custard, soaking both sides, then arrange them snugly in the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining custard over the top of the bread to ensure it’s fully soaked.
  5. Cook Apples: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add peeled, sliced apples along with apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples soften slightly but retain some texture. Remove from heat and stir in pecans.
  6. Assemble Casserole: Spoon the warm apple and pecan mixture evenly over the soaked bread slices and pour any remaining skillet sauce over everything for added flavor.
  7. Chill to Set: Cover the casserole tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally up to 1 day. This chilling step allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and flavors.
  8. Preheat Oven: Remove the casserole from the fridge and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
  9. Bake Uncovered: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 minutes to start setting the custard and beginning to brown the top.
  10. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 25–35 minutes until the center is set and no longer runny, totaling 45–55 minutes of baking time.
  11. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. It will slightly deflate as it cools. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm with maple syrup or salted caramel sauce as desired.
  12. Store Leftovers: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 2–3 days to preserve freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • If short on time for drying bread, use day-old or slightly stale bread to absorb custard better.
  • The soaking time in the refrigerator is crucial for best custard absorption and texture.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts if preferred.
  • For dairy-free options, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
  • Serve with additional toppings like fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Keywords: baked french toast, apple cider french toast casserole, fall breakfast recipes, apple cinnamon breakfast, holiday brunch recipes

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/baked-apple-cider-french-toast-recipe/