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- 8 slices of brioche or challah bread - 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice) - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 2 tablespoons maple syrup - 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup sliced almonds - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Gathering these ingredients is simple. I love using brioche or challah bread for this recipe. They soak up the mix well and taste amazing. If you prefer a different milk, feel free to swap it out. Almond milk adds a nice flavor. The eggs are key for binding all the flavors. Vanilla and almond extracts give a sweet aroma. Maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness. The cherries, fresh or frozen, provide a tart burst that pairs perfectly with the sweet notes. Sliced almonds bring a nice crunch, while cinnamon adds warmth and spice. A dash of salt rounds out the flavor. If you like, dusting with powdered sugar at the end makes it look fancy! Prepare these ingredients for a fun cooking adventure, and you'll be on your way to creating a delightful Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast. Whisking the Egg Mixture Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, add the almond milk, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk to mix everything together. Make sure it is smooth and well combined. This mixture is key to the flavor. Layering the Bread and Filling Next, grease a large baking dish, about 9x13 inches. Place half of the bread slices in a single layer at the bottom. Pour half of the egg mixture over these slices. Ensure each piece gets soaked well. Now, scatter half of the cherries and half of the sliced almonds over the bread. Then, add the remaining bread slices on top. Pour the rest of the egg mixture over this layer. Press down gently to soak any dry parts. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cherries and sliced almonds on top. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight or for at least 4 hours. Preheating the Oven The next morning, it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking. Baking Times and Indicators Remove the plastic wrap from the dish. Bake the French toast for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top turns golden brown. Cooling and Serving Tips After baking, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to cut into squares. If you like, dust some powdered sugar on top to make it look pretty. Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast! Ensuring Even Soaking To make great French toast, soak the bread evenly. Pour half of the egg mixture over the first layer of bread. Use a spatula to press down gently. This helps the bread absorb the liquid. Repeat this step with the second layer of bread. Make sure every slice gets soaked well. Avoiding Soggy Bread No one likes soggy bread! To avoid this, use a good bread choice. Brioche or challah works best. These breads hold their shape well. Be sure not to soak the bread for too long before cooking. If you have time, refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to blend without making the bread mushy. Garnishing with Powdered Sugar A light dust of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch. After baking, let the French toast cool for a few minutes. Then, use a fine sieve to sprinkle the sugar on top. This adds a beautiful finish to your dish. Drizzling Additional Maple Syrup Maple syrup makes everything better! Serve your French toast warm. Drizzle some extra syrup right before serving. You can also place a small pitcher of syrup on the table. This way, everyone can add their own. The sweet flavor pairs perfectly with cherries and almonds. {{image_2}} Gluten-Free Options You can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free bread instead of brioche or challah. Look for soft, thick slices. This keeps the texture similar to the original. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free too, like the almond milk and maple syrup. Vegan Substitutes For a vegan version, swap the eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Use plant-based milk, like almond or soy milk. This keeps the recipe creamy without dairy. Adding Spices or Extracts You can spice things up by adding nutmeg or cardamom. Just a pinch can boost the flavor. You can also use more vanilla or almond extract for a richer taste. Experiment to find your perfect mix! Incorporating Other Fruits Feel free to add different fruits! Sliced bananas or berries work great. You can mix in peaches or apples too. Just remember to adjust the sugar if needed. The fruits will add fresh flavors and colors to your dish. Refrigeration Guidelines Store leftover Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it covered to avoid drying out. Freezing Instructions You can freeze leftover French toast for up to two months. Cut it into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. Best Methods for Reheating To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the squares on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. In the microwave, heat for 30-60 seconds per piece. Tips for Maintaining Texture To keep the texture nice, avoid overcooking. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps retain moisture and keeps the French toast soft. Yes, you can make this dish the night before. Just follow the steps to layer the bread and filling. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture well. In the morning, just bake it. This makes breakfast easy and quick! You can use any milk you like. Dairy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well. Almond milk adds a nice flavor, but feel free to choose what you prefer. Each type of milk can change the taste a little, so it’s fun to try different options! Yes, stale bread is great for this recipe! It soaks up the egg mixture well. Fresh bread can become too soggy. If you have leftover bread, use it! It will still turn out delicious. Just make sure to cut it into thick slices. This post covered all you need for a delicious French toast. We discussed the key ingredients, like brioche bread and juicy cherries. I shared step-by-step methods for preparation and baking. Next, I offered tips to make your toast perfect and variations for every need. Plus, you learned how to store leftovers and reheat them well. Enjoy trying this tasty recipe, and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast

Indulge in a delightful Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast that's perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast celebration. This easy recipe combines the sweetness of cherries with the rich flavor of almond, layered in golden brioche. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare this delicious dish the night before and wake up to a warm, comforting treat. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones!
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Ingredients
  

8 slices of brioche or challah bread

2 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

    Grease a large baking dish (9x13 inches) with butter or cooking spray.

      Arrange half of the slices of bread in a single layer in the bottom of the baking dish.

        Pour half of the egg mixture over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is well soaked.

          Scatter half of the cherries and half of the sliced almonds over the soaked bread.

            Layer the remaining bread slices on top, then pour the rest of the egg mixture evenly over the top, ensuring all bread is covered. Press down gently to submerge any dry parts.

              Top with the remaining cherries and sliced almonds. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).

                Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.

                  Remove the plastic wrap and bake the French toast for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

                    Allow to cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr | 6 servings

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve warm on individual plates with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh cherries on the side for garnish. You could also drizzle some additional maple syrup on top for a delightful finish.