Easy Apple Pie Baked French Toast Recipe

If you are looking to brighten up your mornings with something warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful, this Easy Apple Pie Baked French Toast is exactly what you need. Featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples, soft baked bread soaked in a creamy custard, and a drizzle of plant-based (natural) syrup, this recipe turns classic breakfast comfort food into a delightful treat that tastes like fall in every bite. Whether for a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this Apple Pie Baked French Toast is simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in every bite: The blend of cinnamon-spiced apples and softly baked bread feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Super easy preparation: Few steps and simple ingredients make this an ideal recipe for cooks of all levels.
• Perfect for all occasions: Whether weekday mornings or holiday brunches, this dish fits right in.
• Customizable and versatile: Easily switch up toppings and add-ins to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
• Plant-based friendly: Uses natural ingredients and plant-based (natural) syrup, making it suitable for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward with pantry staples and fresh produce, each chosen to build layers of flavor and perfect texture. From tender apples adding natural sweetness to cinnamon for a cozy spice, every ingredient shines in harmony.

• Thick bread slices: Use day-old bread like brioche or challah for the best soak and texture.
• Apples: Crisp, tart apples such as Granny Smith bring a tangy contrast to the sweet cinnamon.
• Cinnamon (natural): Essential for that classic apple pie warmth and spice.
• Plant-based milk: Creates a creamy custard base for the bread to soak up evenly.
• Eggs: Bind all ingredients together into a rich custard coating the bread slices.
• Plant-based (natural) syrup: Drizzled on top for a luscious finish and extra sweetness.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Adds subtle depth and savory hints without overpowering flavors.
• Vanilla extract (natural): Rounds out the custard with a fragrant sweetness.
• Butter (plant-based): For greasing the dish and adding richness during baking.
• Lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning.
• Natural gelling agent: Gives the apple topping a perfect, slightly thickened texture.

Variations for Apple Pie Baked French Toast

Feel free to make this recipe your own by mixing in your favorite flavors or adapting based on what you have on hand. It’s quick to swap ingredients or add creative touches that suit your craving or dietary preferences.

• Nutty upgrade: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the top for a crunchy texture contrast.
• Spiced twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to deepen the fall-inspired spice profile.
• Fruit swap: Replace apples with pears or peaches for a seasonal flavor variation.
• Vegan adaptation: Use a plant-based milk and egg substitute to keep it fully plant-based.
• Sweetener change: Try maple syrup (natural) or date syrup in place of the plant-based (natural) syrup.

How to Make Apple Pie Baked French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples thinly. In a skillet, cook them gently with cinnamon (natural), lemon juice, and a little plant-based (natural) syrup until tender but still retaining some bite. Add a natural gelling agent to thicken the mixture slightly, then let it cool while you prepare the custard.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, plant-based milk, vanilla extract (natural), and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). This custard bath will soak into your bread, giving it richness and flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the French Toast

Lightly grease a baking dish with plant-based butter (plant-based). Arrange half of the bread slices in the dish, then layer half of the cooked apple mixture on top. Repeat with remaining bread and apples. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the assembled layers, pressing down gently to soak all bread pieces.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until the top is perfectly golden and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Serve with Plant-Based (Natural) Syrup

Finish your Apple Pie Baked French Toast by drizzling generously with plant-based (natural) syrup. Serve warm and watch it disappear!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Baked French Toast

• Use the right bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs custard better without getting soggy.
• Don’t skip the natural gelling agent: It thickens the apple topping, preventing it from becoming too watery.
• Soak evenly: Press down gently after pouring custard to ensure all bread soaks up flavor.
• Let it rest before baking: Allow assembled dish to sit 10 minutes for deeper flavor and better texture.
• Use fresh apples: Crisp apples hold texture well and balance the sweetness perfectly.

How to Serve Apple Pie Baked French Toast

Garnishes

Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon (natural), a handful of toasted nuts for crunch, or fresh apple slices for an elegant touch. A dusting of powdered plant-based sugar (natural) also adds a pretty finish.

Side Dishes

This baked French toast pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to add brightness and balance. For protein, consider a side of scrambled tofu or grilled chicken sausage.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve apple pie baked French toast in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also add a dollop of plant-based (natural) yogurt or a spoonful of caramelized apple compote on top for extra flavor layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, cover the French toast tightly with plastic wrap or a reusable lid and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Portion leftovers into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a warm oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes or until warmed evenly. You can also microwave individual slices for a quicker option, but the oven method helps maintain crispness.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples work great for tartness, but you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala depending on your sweetness preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, just replace the milk and butter with your favorite plant-based alternatives to keep it creamy and delicious.

Can I prepare this overnight?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

What can I use instead of eggs?

For an egg-free version, try a commercial egg replacer or a flaxseed “egg” made by mixing ground flaxseed with water.

How do I keep the apple topping from getting soggy?

Cooking the apples gently with the natural gelling agent helps maintain their texture and prevents excess liquid from making the dish soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Pie Baked French Toast is a cozy, flavorful way to start any day, combining the best of two classic favorites in one simple dish. With its warm spices, tender apples, and satisfying baked custard, it’s sure to become a weekend staple that feels both special and comforting. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors and easy preparation that make mornings better.

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