Apple Walnut French Toast Bake

I'm not going to lie to you friends - the method for this Apple Walnut French Toast is identical to my Pear Pecan French Toast. Cause, well, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. But I enjoyed the flavored combination of the Apples and Walnuts so much, I felt this recipe earned its own billing!

As the name suggests, I've layered diced apples up on top of cinnamon-custard soaked bread and raisins. And topped those juicy apples with buttery, crunchy walnuts and sweet brown sugar.

Apple Walnut French Toast Bake

Ingredients

For the French Toast

·       4 cups cubed, day old bread (Challah or cinnamon raisin)

·       ½ cup raisins

·       6 eggs

·       1 cup half & half

·       1 ½ tsp cinnamon

·       Pinch of salt

·       1 tsp vanilla extract

·       ½ tsp almond extract

For the Apple Topping

·       1 granny smith apple, peeled and diced

·       1 gala apple, peeled and diced

·       ¾ cup brown sugar

·       ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts

·       1 tsp cinnamon

·       Pinch of salt

·       ¼ cup butter, chilled and diced

Preheat oven to 375F.

For the French Toast…Grease a 2.5qt baking dish. Scatter the bread over the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the raisins evenly over the bread. Take care to nestle some into the bread.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half & half, cinnamon, salt, and extracts. Pour the custard over the bread and raisins. Using your fingers, gently press the bread cubes into an even layer to ensure all bread is moistened. Allow to soak for at least 15 minutes or overnight.

For the Topping…Scatter the diced apples over the top of the soaked bread. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, walnuts, cinnamon, salt, and butter. Stir to ensure the butter is evenly distributed throughout the nut-sugar mixture. Spoon the topping evenly over the apples.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center is puffed and the top is deep golden brown and bubbling. If desired, serve with maple syrup.

Serves 4-6

Gluten Free Friendly!

Swap the bread for your favorite gluten free bread. I’d recommend a Schar Baguette or Ciabatta – it’s sturdy, yet airy which will yield a fluffy GF French Toast Bake while other bread might be more dense or mushy. Canyon Bakehouse Sweet Hawaiian bread also works well in this recipe.