The scent of baked apple cider French toast wafts through the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace as the sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples dances around your kitchen. Imagine sinking your fork into this fluffy masterpiece, each bite bursting with the warm flavors of autumn — it’s like a hug from grandma but way tastier.
This dish isn’t just for breakfast; it’s perfect for lazy weekend brunches or festive holiday gatherings. Picture this: a table filled with laughter, family, and friends, all enjoying their plates piled high with this deliciousness. Get ready to indulge in an amazing flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked apple cider French toast is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings
- The delightful combination of flavors gives each bite a cozy feel
- Its golden color and beautiful presentation make it visually appealing on any brunch table
- Versatile enough to adapt seasonal ingredients or toppings according to your preferences
You know that moment when you take a bite of something so good that time seems to stop? That’s what happened the first time I made this baked apple cider French toast for my family. Their faces lit up like kids on Christmas morning!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Thick Slices of Bread: Choose a hearty bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and flavor.
Apple Cider: Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for a rich, authentic taste.
Eggs: Large eggs work best; they bind everything together beautifully.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice; fresh is always better if you can find it.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar enhances sweetness and adds caramel notes.
Sliced Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast against the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract really elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
Butter: A bit of melted butter ensures your French toast has that irresistible golden crust.
Maple Syrup (optional): Drizzle on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make baked apple cider French toast
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Create the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined. This will be your magical soaking mixture.
Add Bread and Apples: Arrange thick slices of bread in the prepared dish. Pour the custard over them, ensuring each slice is soaked thoroughly. Tuck sliced apples between the bread pieces for added flavor.
Let It Soak: Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator if you want to prepare ahead. This helps develop those wonderful flavors.
Bake Until Golden: Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let it cool slightly before slicing. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired and serve warm with whipped cream or more apples on top.
Now you’re all set! Get ready to impress everyone with this delightful baked apple cider French toast that’s not only scrumptious but also an absolute crowd-pleaser!
You Must Know
- Baked apple cider French toast is not just a breakfast dish; it’s a cozy hug in food form
- The delightful aroma of cinnamon and apples fills your kitchen, making it feel like autumn all year round
- Perfect for brunch gatherings or lazy Sunday mornings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking your bread in the apple cider mixture while preheating the oven. This ensures a rich flavor throughout before baking, producing a golden-brown crust.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular bread for brioche or challah for extra fluffiness. Toss in some nuts or dried fruits if you’re feeling adventurous!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use stale bread for the best texture, as it absorbs the custard better without getting too soggy
- Adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup or brown sugar, depending on your preference
- Don’t skip the resting time to allow flavors to meld beautifully!
I remember making baked apple cider French toast for a family gathering. The joy on everyone’s faces when they took their first bite was priceless.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free bread for baked apple cider French toast?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works well; just ensure it’s sturdy enough to soak up the custard.
How long should I let the mixture soak?
Soak the bread for at least 30 minutes to fully absorb those delicious flavors.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for convenience.
Baked Apple Cider French Toast
Baked apple cider French toast is a delightful autumn-inspired dish that captures the essence of cozy mornings. With fluffy brioche soaked in a rich custard of apple cider, eggs, and warm spices, each bite offers a taste of nostalgia. Perfect for weekend brunches or festive gatherings, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Drizzle with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness and enjoy the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick brioche bread
- 2 cups fresh apple cider
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 medium tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith), sliced
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Arrange brioche slices in the prepared dish and pour custard over them, ensuring thorough soaking. Tuck sliced apples between the bread.
- Let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool slightly before slicing; serve warm with maple syrup if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Use stale bread for better texture. Swap in nuts or dried fruits for added flavor variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
