Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Bake
This Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Bake is the perfect dish for a cozy brunch with family or friends. The rich combination of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and tart cranberries nestled between layers of buttery bread creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Prepare it a day ahead for unbeatable convenience, and let it soak overnight for maximum flavor. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
ground cinnamon
3 teaspoons (divided)
tart apples
3 (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
Italian bread or French bread
1 loaf (cut into 1 inch thick slices)
large eggs
6 (beaten)
milk
1 1/2 cups (none)
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a 13 x 9 inch baking dish, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until smooth.
2
Fold in the sliced apples and dried cranberries, ensuring they are well-coated with the sugar mixture.
3
Spread the apple and cranberry mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
4
Layer the slices of Italian or French bread on top of the fruit mixture, distributing them evenly.
5
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined.
6
Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, making sure each piece is well-soaked.
7
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the mixture.
8
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9
Remove the cover from the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
10
Once baked, let it stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Bake?
It is a cozy brunch dish featuring cinnamon-spiced apples and tart cranberries layered with buttery bread and a rich egg custard.
What kind of apples should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using three tart apples that have been peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, but you can substitute fresh cranberries if you prefer a more tart flavor and slightly different texture.
What type of bread is best for this bake?
A loaf of Italian or French bread cut into 1-inch thick slices is ideal for absorbing the egg mixture.
How long does the dish need to refrigerate before baking?
The dish should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, and up to 24 hours, to allow the bread to soak up the mixture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
How long does it take to bake?
It takes approximately 40 minutes in the oven, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
What size baking dish is required?
A standard 13 x 9 inch baking dish is used for this recipe.
How many eggs are needed for the custard?
You will need 6 large eggs, which should be beaten before mixing with the milk.
How much cinnamon is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, divided between the fruit base and the egg mixture.
Is there a specific way to prepare the butter?
Yes, 1/2 cup of butter should be melted before being combined with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of packed brown sugar for the best rich flavor and texture.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, the instructions state the apples should be peeled, cored, and thinly sliced for the best consistency.
How much milk is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of milk to be whisked with the eggs.
Is vanilla extract included in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract is added to the egg and milk mixture.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, it is designed to be a make-ahead dish that is prepared and refrigerated overnight.
Should the dish be covered while in the refrigerator?
Yes, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil while it chills.
Should I bake the dish covered or uncovered?
The cover should be removed before placing the dish in the preheated oven.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
Let the bake stand for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing and serving.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
While not in the original ingredients, chopped pecans or walnuts would make a great addition for extra crunch.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
This dish is best enjoyed while it is still warm from the oven.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It features a delightful balance of soft, custard-soaked bread and a golden, slightly crisp top.
Can I use half-and-half instead of milk?
Yes, using half-and-half would create a richer, more decadent custard base.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, a 13 x 9 inch bake typically serves 8 to 12 people.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, with its sweet flavors and comforting texture, it is a great choice for family gatherings.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian bread with a sturdy gluten-free loaf, though soaking times may vary.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include brunch, breakfast, baked, apple, cranberry, cinnamon, and comfort food.
Can I use a different fruit besides apples?
Pears would be an excellent alternative or addition to the apples in this recipe.
How do I know the center is set?
The center is set when it no longer jiggles when the pan is gently shaken and a knife comes out clean.
Is the cinnamon divided in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon is mixed with the butter and sugar, and the remaining 2 teaspoons are whisked into the egg mixture.