Easiest French toast healthy spiced apple casserole with almond milk (no milk)

You're going to love this French toast healthy spiced apple pudding with almond milk, a French toast casserole inspired by the popular breakfast. Topped with juicy apples, it is a healthier breakfast alternative, and can be served with the afternoon coffee.

Why I ❤️ it • Recipe • Ingredients • Preparation

Why I ❤️ it

I cannot in good conscience say that French toast is any good for me, it's the kind of thing I might have just once in a decade. Except for this French toast healthy casserole topped with spiced apples; because French toast might not make the healthiest breakfast, but it can be forgiven if you make it this way.

This one is specially great if you are looking for a lighter, milk-free alternative. It doesn't matter whether you are an advanced baker or a beginner, this French toast recipe is nearly foolproof. Now you know what you'll be baking next.

Utensils and tools

• Apple corer
• Potato peeler
• Large mixing bowl
• 9" [23 cm] springform pan

Ingredients

Spiced apple layer

• 4 Pink Lady or Granny Smith apples
• ½ bar, (¼ cup) melted salted butter (see notes)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ¼ teaspoon clove powder

French Toast casserole

• Butter at room temperature for greasing pan
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 ½ cups almond milk
• ½ stick, (¼ cup) melted salted butter
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sugar (white, granulated)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces [350 gr] (about 1 baguette) of day old French bread, sliced

Preparation

Before starting, please make sure you have all the ingredients and utensils ready.

Step 1

Heat the oven to 350 ºF [175 ºC].

Step 2

In the meantime, to make the spiced apple layer, peel and core the apples and slice into thin rings.

Mix butter, brown sugar, ginger powder, cinnamon powder, and clove powder. Pour on the apples and work with your hands to coat them with the butter mixture. Set the apples aside.

Step 3

To make the French toast layer, grease the baking pan with butter and sprinkle bottom with the brown sugar.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond milk, melted butter, eggs, sugar, cinnamon powder, baking powder and salt. Whisk until it is mixed completely. Bathe the bread slices in the milk mixture, making sure the liquid soaks in.

Step 4

Arrange the bread in layers in the baking pan trying to keep it even. Pour in any leftover milk mixture.

Top with the apples arranged in an even layer.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature before serving.

Variations

If you want to make it completely dairy free, substitute equal amount of vegetable oil for butter in the recipe. Be mindful the taste will not be identical, but it's still a great recipe.

Top tips

I have made this several times, and have learned a few lessons on what works and what doesn't in this French toast recipe. Of course, even the ones that didn't turn out so well were very, very good, so it will never go to waste.

French baguettes work best for this casserole, but the crust must not be too thick and dry, or it will stay the same after baking. You can also use brioche, challah, or white bread. Each will give a different consistency, but good in their way.

Another thing to keep in mind is the type of apple you'll use. Not all apples cook well, some get mushy, some get rubbery. We suggest Pink Lady, or, as a second choice, the classic baker's favorite: Granny Smith.

Serving suggestions

This is perfect as a breakfast dish, and also goes great with your afternoon coffee or tea.

Nutritional information

Calories: 313kcal - Carbohydrates: 60g - Protein: 10g - Fat: 4g - Saturated Fat: 2g - Cholesterol: 11mg - Sodium: 358mg - Potassium: 342mg - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 34g - Vitamin A: 220IU - Vitamin C: 4.2mg - Calcium: 159mg - Iron: 1.7mg

FAQs

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