Description
Fall in love with breakfast again with this cozy and flavorful Apple Pie Baked French Toast. Combining comforting warm spices, tender apples, and a creamy plant-based custard soaked in thick-cut bread, this dish offers a delightful start to your day. Perfect for brunch or a sweet morning treat, it features a naturally sweetened, plant-based-friendly recipe that can be prepared ahead for ease and customized to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 6 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced crisp apples (such as Granny Smith)
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs or vegan egg substitute
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the apple mixture: Peel and thinly slice the apples. In a pan over medium heat, gently sauté the apple slices with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of apple cider vinegar until the apples are tender and fragrant.
- Make the custard soaking mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs or vegan egg substitute, plant-based milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and natural gelling agent until smooth and silky to create the custard base.
- Assemble the French toast: In a baking dish, layer the bread slices, alternating with spoonfuls of the warm apple mixture. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the assembled layers, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid thoroughly.
- Bake until golden and set: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the custard is fully set and the top is golden brown with toasted edges.
- Cool and serve: Let the baked French toast cool slightly to firm up, then slice into portions. Serve with a drizzle of pure maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to better absorb the custard without becoming mushy.
- Do not skip the natural gelling agent; it helps the custard hold its shape for easier slicing.
- For enhanced flavor, soak overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and firm texture.
- Adjust sweetness by starting with less maple syrup and adding more after tasting the custard mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: apple pie, baked French toast, breakfast, plant-based, vegan, brunch, cozy, cinnamon, apples
