Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake Tasty and Easy Dish

Ingredients

• 6 slices day-old bread (challah or brioche)
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 2 brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 serving Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
3. Cut the bread into cubes and place half of them evenly in the greased baking dish.
4. In a bowl, toss the diced apples with a pinch of cinnamon and then layer the apple mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
5. Top with the remaining bread cubes, pressing down slightly to pack them in.
6. Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the entire dish, making sure to soak the bread and apples well. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the liquid (or refrigerate overnight).
8. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled over the top.