Festive Cranberry-Apple Custard French Toast Bake
This delightful Festive Cranberry-Apple Custard French Toast Bake is the perfect addition to your holiday breakfast repertoire. Inspired by a cherished co-worker's recipe, this dish brings together the tartness of fresh apples and the sweetness of dried cranberries, all enveloped in a rich custardy mixture. It's a lovely way to celebrate Christmas morning or entertain guests the day after Thanksgiving. The use of Splenda and egg substitute not only enhances the flavor but also lends a healthier twist, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly festive treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Splenda brown sugar blend
1 cup (Can substitute with brown sugar if preferred.)
Butter or margarine
1/3 cup (Melted)
Cinnamon
3 teaspoons (Divided)
Apples (Braeburn or tart variety)
3-4 (Cored and thinly sliced)
Dried cranberries
1/2 cup
French bread
1 loaf (Cut into 1-inch slices)
Egg substitute
1 1/2 cups
Milk (1% recommended)
1 1/2 cups
Vanilla extract
1 tablespoon
Powdered sugar
to taste (Optional, for serving)
Whipped cream
to taste (Optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
In a 9x13 baking dish, combine the melted butter, Splenda brown sugar blend, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, stirring until well blended.
2
Add the sliced apples and dried cranberries to the mixture and toss to ensure that the fruits are well coated. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
3
Layer the slices of French bread neatly atop the apple and cranberry mixture, ensuring they are arranged close together.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg substitute, milk, vanilla extract, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of cinnamon until well combined.
5
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, making sure to saturate each slice completely.
6
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor absorption.
7
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the cover and bake the French toast bake for 40 minutes covered with foil.
8
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the top is golden brown.
9
Once baked, allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
10
Serve the French toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar or topped with whipped cream, to suit your preference.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Cranberry-Apple Custard French Toast Bake?
It is a holiday-inspired breakfast dish featuring tart apples, dried cranberries, and a rich custard mixture layered over French bread.
What kind of apples should I use for this recipe?
Braeburn or other tart varieties are recommended for the best flavor balance.
Can I substitute the Splenda brown sugar blend?
Yes, you can substitute the Splenda blend with regular brown sugar if preferred.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be cored and thinly sliced before being added to the baking dish.
How thick should the French bread slices be?
The French bread should be cut into 1-inch thick slices.
Can I use butter or margarine for this bake?
Either melted butter or margarine can be used depending on your preference.
How much cinnamon is needed for the recipe?
A total of 3 teaspoons of cinnamon are used, divided between the fruit mixture and the custard.
What type of milk is recommended for the custard?
The recipe recommends using 1% milk for a lighter custard.
How much egg substitute is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of egg substitute.
Is vanilla extract included in the recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of vanilla extract is added to the egg and milk mixture.
How long should the dish be refrigerated before baking?
The dish should be refrigerated for at least 1-2 hours, though overnight is best for maximum flavor absorption.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the French toast bake take to cook?
It bakes for 40 minutes covered with foil, followed by an additional 5 minutes uncovered.
How do I get a golden brown top on the bake?
Removing the foil for the final 5 minutes of baking allows the top to become golden brown.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
What are the suggested toppings for this dish?
You can serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
What size baking dish is needed?
A standard 9x13 baking dish is required for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for Christmas morning?
Yes, its festive flavors make it perfect for Christmas or the day after Thanksgiving.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
The recipe specifies dried cranberries for their sweetness, but you can experiment with fresh if you prefer a more tart flavor.
How should the bread be arranged in the dish?
The bread slices should be layered neatly and close together on top of the fruit mixture.
How do I ensure the fruit is properly coated?
Toss the sliced apples and dried cranberries in the butter, Splenda, and cinnamon mixture until well blended.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish has a rich, custardy texture with soft fruit at the bottom and a toasted bread top.
Is this a healthy breakfast option?
The use of Splenda and egg substitute provides a healthier twist compared to traditional French toast bakes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including optional toppings.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
The melted butter and sugar mixture at the bottom helps prevent sticking, but you may lightly grease the sides if desired.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, chopped pecans or walnuts would make a great addition for extra crunch.
How do I pour the egg mixture over the bread?
Pour it carefully and evenly to ensure every slice of bread is completely saturated.
Can I use a different type of bread?
French bread is recommended for its structure, but challah or brioche would also work well.
Is this recipe easy to make for guests?
Yes, because it can be prepared ahead of time, it is an excellent choice for entertaining.
How many apples are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 apples, depending on their size.