Cranberry Apple French Toast Bake
This Cranberry Apple French Toast Bake is going to be perfect for the holidays and would be great for any time you want a fun breakfast without a ton of work or prep!
One of the great things about this french toast bake is that because it’s so easy to prepare, you can totally enjoy time with your family rather than spend a bunch of time making breakfast. Particularly around the holidays, with so much going on and so much food being prepared, it allows you to get some prep work done ahead so you can spend the morning with your family. That’s how I like it. Not to mention that it’s cranberry apple, which I love.
Preparing this Cranberry Apple French Toast Bake is even quite easy and uses pretty standard ingredients, which I’m into. You’ll want a nice sized loaf of bread, choose gluten-free, if needed (I did). Feel free to use any favorite bread and be sure to leave it out of the package the day before making the bake, to dry, so it’s nice and crusty.
The egg, milk, juice mixture that’s poured over the bread is all mixed together in a big bowl. Easy, right? You’ll combine eggs, milk, Ocean Spray® Organic 100% Juice, pancake (or maple syrup) and some flavorings. I used the Ocean Spray® 100% Juice Organic Cranberry Apple variety to give this breakfast bake that extra special fall flavor we all know and love. These new Ocean Spray® Organic 100% Juices are also available in Organic Cranberry and Organic Cranberry Blueberry varieties.
I like to try to be sure when I pour the mixture over the bread that I get all the bread on top a little wet. If you need a little extra liquid, just add a bit more juice over the top. Now we soak, just as long as it takes to sauté the apples. That’s plenty of time to let the bread cubes get all marinated in eggy goodness. However, feel free to store in the fridge and soak overnight if you’re looking to prep ahead.
Next up, you’ll need your favorite type of apples. I used Gala apples… or maybe it was Pink Ladies (I’ve always got one or the other on hand). If you want the bake a little less sweet and more tart use two Granny Smith apples along with two sweeter apples.
The apples are so simple! Just sauté with a little butter or use ghee like I did (love that stuff) and you could also use coconut oil and cinnamon until tender. That’s it. I could’ve eaten the whole pan of cinnamon apples!
And just look at how delicious and full of apples this breakfast is! Does it get any better for a wholesome, yet, incredible fall breakfast? Bring on the syrup and powdered sugar!
This Cranberry Apple French Toast Bake was loved by my whole family and it’s perfect for the holidays because it feeds a crowd! You guys will not regret giving this recipe a try. It’s:
So simple
Satisfying
Loaded with cinnamon apple goodness
Perfectly sweet
& Absolutely wonderful with a topping of more diced apple, syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar!
I can’t wait to make this again for Christmas brunch – it was such a hit!
Cranberry Apple French Toast Bake
Ingredients
- 1 loaf gluten-free bread left out to dry and cut into cubes (about 6½ cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups almond milk OR any favorite milk product
- 1 cup Cranberry Apple juice
- 2 tablespoons maple or pancake syrup + additional maple or pancake syrup for serving**
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- dash of cloves
- 4 apples, cored, peeled, and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee or coconut oil
- powdered sugar and/or maple syrup for serving, (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and spray a 9x13" (or other 3-quart casserole dish) with non-stick cooking spray and arrange bread cubes in an even layer in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, juice, maple syrup and spices. Pour egg mixture over top of the bread, making sure all of the bread gets soaked. Set aside.
- To a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the apples and butter. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp cinnamon, stir and cover to steam for a bit. When they start to get tender - about 4-5 minutes - remove lid and continue cooking without lid until tender and slightly caramelized. To avoid them from getting too soft don't keep the lid on for too long. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Check the bread to make sure all pieces are getting well soaked. If any cubes are dry on top, flip them over with your hands to ensure all pieces are wet.
- Next spoon about 3/4 of the apples over the top of the bread, push some down into the bread with your fingers.
- Bake for about 45 minutes and until tops are lightly browned - you want the bake to be moist, but no longer liquidy.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately. Top each slice with remaining sautéed apples, maple or pancake syrup and/or a dusting of powdered sugar. Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to a couple of days and reheat in the microwave.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @kimscravings on Instagram and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy and delicious recipes straight to your inbox!
I see a new brunch item! Ooo definitely new brunch item for the fall.
This looks so tasty! I love anything with cranberry, but I would have never thought to mix these flavors together!
It’s a mouth-watering baked good that is perfect over a cup of black coffee or warm tea in a rainy afternoon. Thanks for sharing.
Cinnamon and apple m.. yum! Those are my favorite. Will definitely try this recipe. I’m sure my husband will love it too, he likes cranberries 🙂
I never have french toast! so good and so easy to do though! I should do it more often! It his alternative sounds absolutely amazing!
What a fun fall inspired dish! I love that you used gluten free bread as well!
Yummy! Cranberry and apples is one of my favorite fall combos!
Eating this for breakfast would make me feel like a queen! It’s so pretty!! I bet it smells and tastes amazing!
I am always looking for new recipes to try. This Cranberry Apple French Toast Bake looks so delicious and easy to make. I am sure it will be a big hit.
Bookmarking this one too <3 Anything with french toasts and apple, we are up for it!
This is so yummy! Great recipe. I’ll share this to my mom and we’ll bake this weekend.
This looks absolutely delicious. I look forward to added this to my fall and winter staples. I love French toast and cranberries.
Wow. This seems like a sinfully good brunch option. I’ll show my man this. he’ll love it.
What a perfect Sunday brunch recipe! I must make this over the weekend.
OOoo yes please, this sounds so amazing. I am going to be making it for breakfast soon!
so yummy! i can imagine myself in a cottage and having this for breakfast!
I love apples, organic cranberry apple juice, and French toast! So this is the perfect fall recipe for me. Thanks so much for the brunch casserole inspiration. 🙂
this looks absolutely delicious! I really want to try this, because I know my kids would just love it!
Anything made with apples is always good and this recipe is a keeper. I will be pinning for later. Great blog!!
I’m a huge fan of cranberrys, and french toast is a staple in my house. This looks amazing and super easy to make. I’ll add it to my list of recipes to try!
Oh my goodness, this sounds and looks delicious! I think I am going to have to give this a try over the weekend! Im not the best cook but seems easy enough to follow your recipe!
Oh yum how absolutely delicious does this sound, I have to admit I do love anything that is made with apples they really offer such a nice flavour.