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Caramel Apple Upside Down French Toast Bake Recipe

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This Caramel Apple Upside Down French Toast Bake is a delightful twist on traditional French toast, featuring tender, caramelized Granny Smith apples layered beneath cinnamon swirl bread soaked in a rich egg custard. Perfect for an indulgent breakfast or brunch, this make-ahead casserole is baked to golden perfection and served with maple syrup and whipped cream for a cozy, comforting treat.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus overnight chilling
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Apple Caramel Layer

  • 2 pounds Granny Smith apples (about 4 very large apples), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup

Custard Mixture

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Assembly

  • 8 slices cinnamon swirl bread (preferably without raisins)
  • Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the pan)

To Serve

  • Maple syrup
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel and slice the Granny Smith apples very thinly and uniformly to ensure a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Toss the slices in lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning.
  2. Cook the Caramel Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking for a couple extra minutes until the butter is browned for extra flavor if desired.
  3. Add Sugar and Apples: Stir in the dark brown sugar and corn syrup until the mixture begins to bubble. Add the apple slices and cook for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and keep warm while preparing the custard.
  4. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
  5. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
  6. Assemble the Bake: Pour the warm apple mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the cinnamon swirl bread slices on top of the apples, pressing them down gently.
  7. Pour the Custard: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
  8. Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least a couple of hours to let the flavors meld and the bread soak up the custard.
  9. Bake: Remove the covering and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the custard is set.
  10. Flip and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for 10 minutes. Loosen the edges with a knife, place a serving platter over the pan, and carefully invert so the caramelized apples are on top. Serve warm with maple syrup and whipped cream.

Notes

  • Thin and uniform apple slices are key for even cooking and a tender texture.
  • Letting the butter brown slightly before adding sugar adds a nutty depth to the caramel flavor.
  • Using cinnamon swirl bread without raisins avoids unexpected textures in the bake.
  • Chilling overnight enhances flavor development and custard absorption.
  • Be careful when flipping the bake to avoid spills; using a rimmed platter is helpful.

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/caramel-apple-upside-down-french-toast-bake-recipe/