Apple French Bread Bake Recipe

Ingredients for Apple French Bread Bake

• 8 tablespoons (4 ounces) butter
• French Bread
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith recommended)
• 4 ounces light cream cheese, cubed
• ½ cup walnuts (optional)
• Whipped Cream

How to Make Apple French Bread Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut 1 (1-pound) loaf of French bread into ¾-inch cubes.
3. Place 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) of butter in a large baking pan.
4. Melt butter in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until melted.
5. Add bread cubes to the melted butter and toss to coat evenly.
6. Bake bread for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp and lightly browned.
7. Remove bread from oven and increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
8. In a saucepan, combine ½ cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup water, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
9. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy (about 5-7 minutes).
10. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) of butter until melted.
11. Peel, core, and dice 3 medium apples (Granny Smith recommended, but any variety works).
12. In a large bowl, combine the baked bread cubes, diced apples, 4 ounces of cubed light cream cheese, and ½ cup of walnuts (optional).
13. Pour the warm cinnamon syrup over the apple and bread mixture; toss gently to coat.
14. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
15. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
16. Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. If browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
17. Let cool slightly before serving warm. Top with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra decadent treat!