Description

This Apple French Toast Bake is a cozy and wholesome breakfast casserole perfect for family mornings or brunch gatherings. It combines cubes of bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg and milk mixture with sweet chopped apples and creamy blended cottage cheese, baked to a golden perfection with a soft, custardy interior. Make it ahead by chilling overnight for convenience and serve with fresh apples, maple syrup, and pecans for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 pound cubed bread (wholemeal or white, preferably day old)
2 cups chopped apple
8 ounces low fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
1/4 cup rolled oats

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Instructions

Make the milk mix: Place the eggs, milk, applesauce, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large measuring jug. Whisk them together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Layer the casserole: Lightly grease a deep 7×11 inch baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works too but results in a slightly flatter and crispier bake). Add half of the cubed bread to the dish. Pour over one-third of the milk mixture evenly. Scatter the chopped apples on top and dot with the blended cottage cheese. Then add the remaining bread cubes and pour the rest of the milk mixture, making sure all the bread is well soaked.
Chill the casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully and flavors to meld.
Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover. Optionally, sprinkle with rolled oats or your preferred topping. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the bake is set in the center.
Serve: Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve warm with additional fresh apple slices, maple syrup, and chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
Feel free to substitute applesauce with mashed banana or pear for a different fruity twist.
Using low fat cottage cheese keeps the bake lighter, but full fat can be substituted if preferred.
For extra texture, sprinkle rolled oats or chopped nuts on top before baking.
This bake can be prepared the night before, making it a convenient breakfast option.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.