Caramel Apple French Toast Bake

Caramel Apple French Toast Bake*

 I have adapted this from a recipe my sister posted on FB.  I made it for a Sunday dinner at church where we were have breakfast for dinner and it was very well received.  I'll be making it many more times!  

Ingredients

·      1 day old loaf French Bread, cut into one inch cubes (I used thick sliced Texas Toast)

·      2 big Costco sized apples, peeled, cored and chopped  

·      2 teaspoons lemon juice

·      8 eggs

·      2 cups milk

·      1/2 cup heavy cream

·      3/4 cup sugar

·      2 tablespoons vanilla

·      1/3 cup caramel sundae topping plus additional for drizzling

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

·      1/3 cup granulated sugar

·      2 teaspoons cinnamon

·      1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping

·      1/2 cup flour

·      1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

·      1 teaspoon cinnamon

·      1/4 teaspoon salt

·      1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold butter

·      ½ cup Pecans, chopped

Instructions

1.    Spray an 9 X 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2.    In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the cinnamon sugar mixture.

3.    In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with the lemon juice.

4.    Add the apples to the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss to coat

5.    Place the bread cubes and apples into a large bowl and lightly toss. Pour into the prepared baking dish.

6.    In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar and vanilla.

7.    Evenly pour mixture over the bread and apples. I find it easiest to use a ladle for this.

8.    Cover with plastic wrap and place into refrigerator to sit overnight.

9.    In a medium bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, and salt.

10. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal.

11. Place mixture into a plastic bag. Seal and refrigerate overnight. This step can also be done in the morning before placing baking dish into the oven - whichever you find is easiest.

12. The next morning...

13. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

14. Evenly drizzle the 1/3 cup caramel topping over the contents.

15. Sprinkle the Streusel topping and the Pecans evenly on top.

16. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes depending on the desired outcome. 45 minutes will yield a softer, soggier result, and about an hour will be more firm.

17. Drizzle with additional caramel topping before serving, if desired.

*adapted from http://www.365daysofbakingandmore.com/caramel-apple-french-toast-bake/