Apple Orchard French Toast Bake
Servings: 8 servings
Apple butter makes this an easy to come-together breakfast treat. Prep the evening before and breakfast is ready before you know it. Overnight soak time is optional. See note.
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Ingredients
- 1 6 " loaf day old challah or brioche, cut into 1/2" thick slices
- 1 1/2-2 pints apple butter
- 4 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 egg yolks lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 1/2 cups half and half
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple-Cider Glaze
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups confectioner's sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter 1/4 stick
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Spray a 2.5 qt casserole dish with non-stick baking spray, or lightly butter, to prevent sticking. Spread the apple butter onto one side of each of the bread slices. Place the slices into the greased casserole dish- reassembling the apple buttered-loaf in the dish.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the whole eggs and the egg yolks, the brown sugar, half-and-half, the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Finally, add the orange zest and the vanilla extract; whisk the custard together until it is completely blended. Pour the custard over the apple buttered-bread in the casserole dish. Cover the casserole dish with the lid (if it has one), or with plastic wrap. Allow it to sit, in the fridge, for at least four hours, but preferably overnight. This gives the bread time to soak up the custard.
- When you're ready to bake the custard, place the dish into a cold oven. Set the oven's temperature to 375°F and allow the oven to heat up with the dish inside. Bake for 40-45 minutes. If the top begins to get too brown, cover with a piece of aluminum foil.
- While your custard is baking, make your apple cider glaze: bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow the cider to reduce by half. Remove from the stove and allow to cool to room temperature. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cider with the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Once your apple casserole has finished baking, remove it from the oven and pour the glaze over it while it's still hot. Serve as is, or sprinkle with a mixture of 1 tsp ground cinnamon combined with 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
- This casserole is best enjoyed warm, but is just as delicious reheated.
Notes
If you can't soak for 24 hours, allow to soak for a minimum of 4 hours for best results.