Description
Wake up to a comforting breakfast that tastes like your favorite cozy dessert with this Apple Pie Baked French Toast recipe. This dish combines warm cinnamon, tender baked apples, and creamy plant-based cream soaked in sturdy bread for a delicious, plant-based twist on classic French toast. Perfect for a special brunch or a relaxing morning, every bite blends fruity sweetness and cinnamon-spiced warmth in a perfectly toasted, custardy treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 6–8 slices sturdy bread like brioche or challah
Apple Filling
- 3–4 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (natural)
- Pinch of ground cloves (natural)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup plant-based cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (natural)
Toppings (optional)
- Extra maple syrup (natural)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Cinnamon powder (natural)
- Dollop of plant-based yogurt or cream
- Fresh or frozen berries (blueberries or raspberries)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a pan, sauté the apples with cinnamon, maple syrup (natural), apple cider vinegar, and the natural gelling agent until the apples are softened but still maintain their shape. Set aside the warm, spiced apple filling.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, plant-based cream, vanilla extract (natural), cinnamon (natural), and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth and fragrant, ready to soak into the bread.
- Assemble the French Toast: Grease a baking dish and layer the bread slices evenly. Spoon the warm apple mixture over each layer, then pour the custard mixture on top, ensuring it soaks thoroughly. Press gently to immerse the bread in the custard and apple filling.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes until the custard sets and the top is lightly golden. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to achieve a beautifully toasted finish.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Let the baked French toast cool slightly for easy slicing. Serve with extra maple syrup (natural), a sprinkle of cinnamon powder, chopped nuts, or a dollop of plant-based yogurt or cream for a heartwarming breakfast.
Notes
- Use day-old sturdy bread like brioche or challah for best custard absorption without sogginess.
- Do not omit the natural gelling agent to maintain a luscious apple topping texture.
- Toast cinnamon and spices briefly before adding to enhance their flavor intensity.
- Allow bread to soak in custard mixture for at least 10 minutes before baking for a soft, flavorful bite.
- Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate to save time on busy mornings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: apple pie baked french toast, plant-based french toast, cinnamon apple breakfast, baked french toast recipe, cozy breakfast, brunch recipes