On this episode of Tree to Table, we’re back in the Explore More Discovery Kitchen in downtown Harrisonburg, cooking with our fresh Fuji apples. Our host, Sarah Golibart Gorman, is making a Apple Cider French Toast that’s perfect for a family brunch, holiday gathering, or even a special breakfast treat.
This recipe features the sweet Fuji apple, paired with a warm apple cider infused custard and toasted pecans. Using one of our 18-22 count Fuji gift boxes, you’ll have more then enough apples to make this dish and still have some left over for snacking.
This French Toast doesn’t only taste good, it also keeps well. You can prep it ahead of time and freeze it for later, making mornings during the busy fall season a little easier.
French Toast Base Ingredients:
- 1 loaf dry brioche
- 6 eggs
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¾ cup apple cider
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Apple Topping Ingredients:
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 4 Fuji apples, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick
- ¼ cup apple cider
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ cup pecans
Optional Toppings:
Powdered sugar and maple syrup
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Slice the brioche and allow it to dry for a few hours if it is not already stale.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, apple cider, orange zest, orange juice, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to make the custard.
- Dip each slice of brioche into the custard and layer in the baking dish. Pour any leftover custard over the top.
- Melt butter in a skillet and add the apples along with apple cider, maple syrup, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Cook until the apples are soft and jammy. Stir in toasted pecans.
- Spoon the apple mixture over the custard-soaked bread, tucking some apples and nuts between the slices.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 to 35 minutes until set.
- Let it cool for five minutes before serving and top with powdered sugar and maple syrup.
