Strudel French Toast Loaf

Step 1

[When ready, preheat oven to 350º F.]

Step 2

Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray and set aside.

Step 3

Start by prepping topping ingredients: melt butter in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat and stir in brown sugar.

Step 4

Add chopped apples to skillet, and season with cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until softened and tender.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch into 2 tablespoons warm water until smooth and combined. Pour slurry into apple mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.

Step 6

For the french toast ingredients: combine brown sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl, and mix well.

Step 7

Cut bread slices into strips that fit your loaf pan or baking dish and lay down a layer of bread strips inside pan.

Step 8

Sprinkle 1/3 of brown sugar mixture over the layer of bread, then add a layer of butter pats over the sugar, using 1/3 third of the butter. Pour 1/4 apple mixture over the butter.

Step 9

Repeat with another 2 layers of bread, sugar, butter and apples. Press down on bread with your hand to make sure it’s compacted.

Step 10

In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla, remaining cinnamon, and allspice.

Step 11

Pour batter slowly over the loaf, making sure to allow time for the bread to absorb all the liquid. Pay attention to the corners of the pan.

Step 12

Cover pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, or overnight.

Step 13

Remove plastic wrap, cover pan with aluminum foil, and bake (on a rimmed baking sheet) for 40 minutes.

Step 14

Uncover and top with remaining apple mixture (optional), then return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.

Step 15

Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes, then slice, serve and enjoy!