Caramelized Apple and Pecan Breakfast Bake
This delightful Caramelized Apple and Pecan Breakfast Bake, inspired by Mom's classic recipe, combines tender Granny Smith apples with a rich caramel sauce and crunchy pecans. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for brunch or a special breakfast. By allowing it to chill overnight, the flavors meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when baked. Serve it warm and let the sweet aroma fill your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere for your family and guests. Once you try it, you'll understand why this recipe has become a treasured favorite.
6
Servings
350
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granny Smith apples
2 cups (peeled, cored, and sliced)
Water
1/4 cup
Ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Light corn syrup
2 tablespoons
Butter or margarine
2 tablespoons
Pecan pieces
1/4 cup
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Milk
1 1/4 cups
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
Italian or French bread
8-10 slices (1/2 inch thick)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples and water. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the saucepan.
2
Let the apples cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender, stirring frequently.
3
Once the apples are tender, drain them and transfer to a small bowl. Stir in the ground cinnamon and set aside.
4
In the same saucepan, add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture just reaches a boil.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the caramel mixture into an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan pieces evenly over the top.
6
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
7
Layer half of the bread slices on top of the caramel mixture, trimming them to fit as necessary.
8
Evenly spoon the prepared apple mixture over the bread slices, then layer the remaining bread slices on top of the apples.
9
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers, gently pressing down to ensure the bread is fully moistened. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 3 to 24 hours.
10
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the pudding uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
11
Once baked, run a knife around the edges to loosen the pudding. Allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
12
Carefully invert the pudding onto a serving platter, draping any remaining caramel sauce from the baking dish over the top.
13
Slice and serve warm for a delicious breakfast treat.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
56.7g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Caramelized Apple and Pecan Breakfast Bake?
It is a comforting breakfast dish made with Granny Smith apples, a rich caramel sauce, pecans, and Italian or French bread, served warm after being baked.
What type of apples should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Granny Smith apples, which are peeled, cored, and sliced.
How long should I cook the apples on the stovetop?
Cook the apples in a saucepan with water for 5-7 minutes over medium-low heat until they are tender.
What spices are used to season the apples?
The cooked apples are stirred together with 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What ingredients make up the caramel sauce?
The caramel sauce is made by combining brown sugar, light corn syrup, and butter or margarine in a saucepan.
What kind of nuts are included in this bake?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of pecan pieces sprinkled over the caramel mixture.
What type of bread is recommended for the bake?
Italian or French bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick, is recommended for this breakfast dish.
How many eggs are needed for the egg mixture?
The recipe requires 3 beaten eggs.
What liquid is used in the custard mixture?
The custard mixture uses 1 1/4 cups of milk.
What flavorings are added to the eggs and milk?
The mixture includes 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Does the baking dish need to be greased?
No, the recipe specifies using an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish.
How should the bread and apples be layered?
Layer half the bread slices over the caramel and pecans, then spoon the apples over the bread, and top with the remaining bread slices.
How long does the dish need to refrigerate before baking?
The dish should be covered and refrigerated for at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) for baking.
How long does the breakfast bake take to cook?
Bake the dish uncovered for 40-45 minutes.
How do I check if the breakfast bake is done?
The dish is ready when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
What should I do once the bake is removed from the oven?
Run a knife around the edges to loosen it and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
How is the dish served?
Carefully invert the pudding onto a serving platter so the caramel sauce is on top, then slice and serve warm.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 56.7 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine.
Why do I need to press the bread down after pouring the egg mixture?
Gently pressing down ensures the bread is fully moistened by the egg mixture for even baking.
What is the benefit of chilling the dish overnight?
Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the bread absorbs the custard properly.
How much brown sugar is used for the caramel?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What is the amount of light corn syrup used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup.
What should the thickness of the bread slices be?
The bread should be sliced into pieces that are 1/2 inch thick.
Can this be served for occasions other than breakfast?
Yes, it is also highly recommended for brunch or as a sweet dessert treat.