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To make Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast, you need: - 6 slices of thick challah or brioche bread - 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds These ingredients give your dish a rich, sweet flavor. The challah or brioche adds softness, while the cherries add a burst of freshness. Toasted almonds add a nice crunch. For the custard, gather: - 4 large eggs - 1 cup milk (whole or almond milk) - 1/2 cup heavy cream Eggs are key in binding the mixture. Milk adds creaminess, and heavy cream makes it rich and decadent. Don't forget to include: - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - A pinch of salt These flavor enhancers elevate your dish. Maple syrup brings natural sweetness, while vanilla and almond extracts add depth. Ground cinnamon gives warmth, and salt balances the flavors. For the complete details, check the Full Recipe. Start by slicing the thick challah or brioche bread into 1-inch pieces. This thickness helps keep the bread fluffy and soft. Arrange the slices in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Overlap the slices slightly to fit them all in. Now it’s time for the fun part! Grab your fresh cherries, pitted and halved. Distribute the cherries evenly over the bread slices. Then, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds on top. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure all the ingredients blend well together. This mixture is what makes the French toast creamy and rich. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Ensure that every piece is soaked. If needed, press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This soaking time is key for great flavor. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the dish. Bake the French toast for about 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and ensure the custard is set. The smell will be amazing! For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy! To get the best flavor, soak the bread for at least four hours, or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard. When ready, press down gently on the bread after pouring the custard. This helps it absorb more liquid and adds to the final texture. Bake your Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast at 350°F (175°C). Check it after 35 minutes. Look for a golden top and a firm center. If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil to avoid burning. You want a crust that is crunchy but not burnt. Make your dish look special by serving it on a nice platter. Scatter extra cherries and almonds on top for color. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Include a small pitcher of maple syrup on the side for drizzling. This adds both taste and style to your meal. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! {{image_2}} You can switch cherries for other fruits. Try blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries. These fruits add their own flavor and color. Apples work well too, especially when mixed with cinnamon. For a tropical twist, use diced pineapple or mango. Each fruit brings a unique taste to your overnight French toast. If you want to change the nuts, use walnuts or pecans. Slivered almonds add a nice crunch. Hazelnuts bring a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with fruit. You can even skip nuts entirely for a nut-free version. This keeps it safe for those with allergies. To make a vegan version, swap eggs with a flaxseed mixture. Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a rich texture. Maple syrup remains the sweetener of choice. With these changes, you still enjoy creamy and delicious French toast. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through these changes easily. To keep your Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place slices in an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture and flavor. If you want to freeze it, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds. If you want a crispier texture, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the slice for about 10-15 minutes. This way, it warms up nicely and stays soft inside while getting a bit crispy on the outside. In the fridge, your Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, aim to eat it within 2-3 months for the best taste. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your delicious breakfast with confidence! Yes, you can make this dish a day in advance. Just layer the bread, cherries, and almonds in the baking dish. Then, whisk the custard and pour it over everything. Cover the dish and chill overnight. This lets the bread soak up the flavors. You can serve many tasty sides with this French toast. Here are some ideas: - Fresh fruit like berries or bananas - Crispy bacon or sausage - Yogurt for a creamy touch - Maple syrup for extra sweetness Yes, stale bread works great! It soaks up the custard well. You can also use leftover bread from other meals. Just make sure the bread is not moldy. Cut it into thick slices to keep it hearty. Check the French toast after 35 minutes in the oven. The top should be golden brown. You can insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If it’s still wet, let it bake for a few more minutes. This blog post showed you how to make Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast. You learned about key ingredients, like thick bread and fresh cherries. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide your cooking. You also picked up handy tips for perfecting your dish. Lastly, I covered creative variations and storage tips. Enjoy making this delicious meal. It’s great for breakfast or brunch! Let your creativity shine with fruits and nuts. Happy cooking!

Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast

Indulge in a delightful breakfast with Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast! This easy recipe combines thick challah or brioche bread with juicy cherries and crunchy almonds, soaked in a creamy custard overnight for the perfect texture. Ideal for brunch gatherings or a cozy family meal, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and make your mornings special!
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Ingredients
  

6 slices of thick challah or brioche bread

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

4 large eggs

1 cup milk (whole or almond milk)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Prep the Bread: Slice the challah or brioche bread into thick slices (about 1-inch). Arrange the slices in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping them if necessary.

    Add Cherries and Almonds: Distribute the halved cherries evenly across the bread slices and sprinkle the toasted almonds on top.

      Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

        Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are saturated. You can gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

          Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

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

              Serve: Let it cool slightly before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 4 hrs 40 mins | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve slices on a beautiful platter with extra cherries and almonds scattered on top, and a small pitcher of maple syrup on the side for drizzling.