TOFFEE APPLE FRENCH TOAST WITH CARAMEL SYRUP

Toffee Apple French Toast with Caramel Syrup image

When I was growing up, I loved waking up to the scent of French toast. I have adapted my mom's oven-baked version of he recipe to include one of my other all-time much loved treats; a caramel apple. -Suzanne Forsberg, Manteca, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 servings (1-1/2 cups syrup).

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

8 cups cubed French bread
3 medium tart apples, peeled and chopped
1 envelope (.74 ounce) instant spiced cider mix
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1-3/4 cups 2% milk, divided
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1/2 cup milk chocolate English toffee bits
5 eggs
CARAMEL SYRUP:
1-1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

Place half of the bread cubes in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with apples and sprinkle with cider drink mix. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugars, 1/4 cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Stir in toffee. Spread over apples. Top with remaining bread cubes., In another bowl, whisk the eggs and remaining milk and vanilla. Pour over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight., Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, combine the sugar, buttermilk, butter, corn syrup and baking soda. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture turns a golden amber color, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Serve with French toast.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 463 calories, Fat 20g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 139mg cholesterol, Sodium 400mg sodium, Carbohydrate 65g carbohydrate (51g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.