Name: Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 88 min
Cook time: 206 min
Total time: 295 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 16 oz stale bread, cut into 0.5" cubes ((Use homemade bread or artisan, like an Italian loaf. See post for how to quickly make stale bread)); 1.5 cups unsweetened applesauce; 1.5 cups non dairy milk ((we like oat)); 1 tsp vanilla; 1 tsp cinnamon; null null lemon zest ((or 0.25 tsp lemon extract)); 4 small apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced); 0.25 cup vegan butter; 0.25 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 0.0625 tsp cardamom (optional); 1 null lemon juice; 0.25 cup brown sugar

Instructions

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1

Ensure you are starting with [stale bread, cut into 0.5" cubes]. If your bread is not stale, you can quickly dry it out in the oven. Cut the [bread] into cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until hard like croutons. Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples (4 small).
2

In a skillet, melt the vegan butter (0.25 cup) over medium heat. Add the apples (4 small), cinnamon (1 tsp), cardamom (0.063 tsp), brown sugar (0.25 cup), and juice (1 lemon). Stir to coat the apples and cook for 4-6 minutes until soft but not mushy. Remove from heat.
3

In a large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce (1.5 cups), non dairy milk (1.5 cups), cinnamon (1 tsp), vanilla (1 tsp), and [lemon zest]. (Alternatively, blend these ingredients together).
4

Add the stale bread, cut into 0.5" cubes (16 oz) to a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Pour the [applesauce] mixture evenly over the top. Use a spatula to mix everything, ensuring all bread pieces are well coated.
5

Gently fold in the cooked [apples] ensuring they are distributed throughout the casserole. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
7

Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar (0.25 cup) evenly across the top of the casserole.
8

Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check after 30 minutes; if the top is browning too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.
9

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
10

Serve warm, topped with powdered sugar if desired, maple syrup, and fresh fruit.
11

Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.