Description
Apple Pie Baked French Toast is a cozy, plant-based breakfast dish that blends the warm flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples with tender bread soaked in a rich custard made from plant-based cream. Perfect for slow weekend brunches or quick weekday treats, this baked French toast is easy to prepare, comforting, and ideal for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 6–8 slices day-old brioche or challah bread
- 2 large fresh apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (natural)
- 1 ½ cups plant-based cream
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plant-based butter (for greasing)
Optional Variations
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (nutty topping)
- ½ cup fresh blueberries or raspberries (berry twist)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or cardamom (natural, for spiced up flavor)
- Plant-based yogurt (to substitute cream)
- Agave nectar or date syrup (to substitute maple syrup)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Mixture: Peel and thinly slice the fresh apples. Toss them gently with cinnamon (natural) and a dash of maple syrup (natural). Let the mixture sit to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the custard.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plant-based cream, maple syrup (natural), vanilla extract (natural), apple cider vinegar, cinnamon (natural), and natural gelling agent until smooth. This mixture will soak into the bread, infusing it with moisture and flavor.
- Assemble the Layers: Grease a baking dish with plant-based butter. Arrange half of the bread slices at the bottom, then evenly spread half of the apple mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread and apples. Pour the custard over the assembled layers, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid well.
- Let it Rest: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This resting period allows the bread to soak thoroughly in the custard for optimal flavor and texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil and bake the dish for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the custard is set. Allow the baked French toast to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.
- Do not skip the resting time for better custard absorption and creaminess.
- Adjust sweetness by drizzling additional maple syrup (natural) at serving time as desired.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and acidity.
- If the top browns too quickly during baking, cover loosely with foil to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: apple pie baked french toast, plant-based breakfast, cinnamon apple dish, vegan brunch, baked French toast