Apple Raisin French Toast Strata: A Decadent Breakfast or Brunch Delight

French toast is a beloved breakfast staple, but sometimes you crave something a bit more special, something that elevates the humble dish to new heights of flavor and indulgence. Enter the Apple Raisin French Toast Strata – a layered, baked masterpiece that’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

This strata is more than just French toast; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes. Soft, custard-soaked bread mingles with sweet, tender apples, plump raisins, and a hint of warm spice, all baked to golden-brown perfection. It’s comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make, especially since most of the work is done the night before, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Make-Ahead Convenience:** The beauty of a strata is that it’s assembled in advance and refrigerated overnight. This makes it ideal for busy mornings or entertaining guests. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
* **Delicious Flavor Combination:** The combination of apples, raisins, and cinnamon is a classic for a reason. It’s warm, comforting, and perfectly balanced.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The layered appearance of the strata makes it visually appealing, perfect for serving to guests.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. You can use different types of bread, fruits, or spices to create your own unique variation.
* **Perfect for Brunch or Dessert:** While it’s a fantastic breakfast or brunch option, this strata can also be served as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Bread:** 1 loaf of challah, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. Challah and brioche are preferred for their richness and slightly sweet flavor, but French bread also works well.
* **Apples:** 2-3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are good choices.
* **Raisins:** 1 cup of raisins. Golden raisins or regular raisins can be used.
* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs. These form the base of the custard that binds the strata together.
* **Milk:** 2 cups of whole milk. Whole milk provides richness and helps create a creamy custard.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup of heavy cream. This adds extra richness and decadence to the strata.
* **Sugar:** ½ cup of granulated sugar. Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, depending on the sweetness of your apples and raisins.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This enhances the flavor of the custard.
* **Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This adds warmth and spice.
* **Nutmeg:** ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. This complements the cinnamon and adds depth of flavor.
* **Salt:** ¼ teaspoon of salt. This balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted. Used for greasing the baking dish.
* **Optional Toppings:** Powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch baking dish:** This is the standard size for a strata, but you can use a slightly smaller or larger dish if needed, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
* **Large bowl:** For whisking together the custard.
* **Medium bowl:** For tossing the apples and raisins with cinnamon.
* **Whisk:** For thoroughly combining the custard ingredients.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurement.
* **Knife and cutting board:** For prepping the apples and bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Fruit

1. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. You can use a serrated knife for easier cutting. If the bread is very fresh, you can lightly toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out slightly. This will help it absorb the custard better.
2. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, raisins, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss to coat evenly. This will infuse the apples and raisins with warm spice.

Step 2: Make the Custard

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved. This is your custard base, so ensure it’s smooth and consistent.

Step 3: Assemble the Strata

1. Grease the 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. This will prevent the strata from sticking to the dish.
2. Arrange half of the bread cubes in a single layer at the bottom of the baking dish. Distribute them evenly.
3. Sprinkle half of the apple and raisin mixture over the bread cubes. Make sure the fruit is spread out evenly so every bite has a bit of apple and raisin.
4. Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread and fruit. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s fully submerged in the custard.
5. Repeat layers with the remaining bread cubes, apple and raisin mixture, and custard mixture. Again, make sure everything is evenly distributed.
6. Gently press down on the entire strata to ensure the bread is fully saturated with the custard. This will result in a moist and tender final product.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will prevent the strata from drying out in the refrigerator.
2. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer and more flavorful strata. The longer it sits, the better the flavor will be.

Step 5: Bake the Strata

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
2. Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This will help it bake more evenly.
3. Uncover the baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the strata is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
4. Let the strata cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly and makes it easier to cut.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cut the strata into squares and serve warm. You can dust it with powdered sugar, drizzle it with maple syrup, or top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Get creative with your toppings!

Tips for Success

* **Use Stale Bread:** Slightly stale bread works best for strata, as it absorbs the custard better. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast it in the oven to dry it out.
* **Don’t Skip the Overnight Refrigeration:** This step is crucial for allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard and for the flavors to meld together.
* **Press Down on the Bread:** Gently pressing down on the bread after each layer ensures that it’s fully submerged in the custard.
* **Check for Doneness:** The strata is done when it’s golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
* **Let it Cool:** Letting the strata cool for a few minutes before serving allows it to set up slightly and makes it easier to cut.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Fruits:** Experiment with other fruits, such as blueberries, cranberries, peaches, or pears. Adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
* **Different Spices:** Try using different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
* **Different Bread:** You can use different types of bread, such as croissants, bagels, or even gluten-free bread.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Cheese:** Add a layer of cheese, such as cream cheese or Gruyere, for a savory twist.
* **Savory Strata:** Omit the sugar and vanilla extract and add savory ingredients, such as sausage, ham, vegetables, and cheese, for a savory strata.

Serving Suggestions

* Serve the strata warm as a breakfast or brunch dish.
* Dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle it with maple syrup.
* Top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
* Serve it with a side of bacon or sausage.
* Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage Instructions

* Leftover strata can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Detailed Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Apple Raisin French Toast Strata

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Refrigeration Time:** 8 hours (or overnight)
**Cook Time:** 45-55 minutes
**Total Time:** 9 hours 5 minutes
**Servings:** 8-10

**Ingredients:**

* 1 loaf of challah, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2-3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
* 1 cup of raisins
* 6 large eggs
* 2 cups of whole milk
* 1 cup of heavy cream
* ½ cup of granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
* ¼ teaspoon of salt
* 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
* Optional Toppings: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the Bread and Fruit:
* Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.
* Peel, core, and dice the apples.
* In a medium bowl, combine the apples, raisins, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss to coat.
2. Make the Custard:
* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Assemble the Strata:
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
* Arrange half of the bread cubes in a single layer at the bottom of the dish.
* Sprinkle half of the apple and raisin mixture over the bread.
* Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread and fruit. Gently press down.
* Repeat layers with the remaining bread cubes, apple and raisin mixture, and custard mixture. Again, gently press down to ensure saturation.
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
* Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
* Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
5. Bake the Strata:
* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
* Uncover the baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and the custard is set. Check for doneness with a knife.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
* Let the strata cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
* Cut into squares and serve warm with your favorite toppings.

**Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving):**

* Calories: 400-500
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 200-250mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 10-15g

Enjoy Your Delicious Apple Raisin French Toast Strata!

This Apple Raisin French Toast Strata is a truly special dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch or simply treating yourself to a decadent weekend breakfast, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet apples, plump raisins, and warm spice, all soaked in a rich and creamy custard, is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to indulge in a breakfast experience like no other! Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own unique masterpiece. Happy baking!