Description
Apple Pie Baked French Toast is a warm, cozy breakfast dish that blends the nostalgic flavors of apple pie with the rich texture of baked French toast. This recipe uses plant-based dairy and natural ingredients, offering a wholesome and comforting start to your day. Perfect for sharing and easy to prepare ahead, it combines fresh apples, warm spices, and a creamy custard set with a natural gelling agent for a delightful morning treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 6–8 thick slices sturdy bread (such as brioche, challah, or country-style)
- 3 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
Sweeteners and Spices
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (natural)
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Mixture: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the apples to soften slightly.
- Make the Custard Base: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, plant-based milk, vanilla extract (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and natural gelling agent until smooth and well combined. This custard will soak the bread and hold the dish together when baked.
- Assemble the French Toast: Lightly grease a baking dish. Layer half of the bread slices at the bottom, then evenly distribute half of the apple mixture over them. Repeat with the remaining bread and apple mixture. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the assembled layers, pressing gently to ensure the bread soaks up the custard.
- Rest and Bake: Let the assembled dish rest for at least 20 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard fully. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better custard absorption without mushiness.
- Slice apples uniformly for even cooking and texture.
- Do not skip resting the dish before baking to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Opt for a natural gelling agent to ensure perfect custard texture without altering the flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: apple pie baked French toast, plant-based breakfast, cozy breakfast, baked French toast, apple pie flavors