Upside-Down Apple French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans

Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence, 2008

Show: Tyler's UltimateEpisode: Ultimate Brunch

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (48)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(48)

Cook Time:
45 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Times:

Prep: 5 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 45 min
Total:: 50 min

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Ingredients

French toast:

4 eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 loaf challah bread, cut into 1 inch-thick slices
1/2 stick unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 cup light brown sugar, plus more for sprinkling, divided
4 Granny Smith apples
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Confectioners' sugar, garnish, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a flat dish, crack eggs and add milk, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined then lay challah slices in mixture to coat and absorb it all, turning occasionally.

Set a 10-inch skillet, seasoned cast iron if you have, over medium heat. Add the butter and 1 cup sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has melted and caramelized, about 8 minutes. While the sugar is melting, peel apples, core and cut into halves. Remove from heat and gently whisk in the heavy cream. Sprinkle in the pecans, dried cranberries and gently press in the apple halves so there is a flat surface. Lay soaked slices of challah over the top so it is completely covered - you should be able to arrange the large slices and small slices so there are no gaps. Sprinkle the top with some brown sugar and place into the preheated oven. Bake in the middle of the oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and puffy.

When done, allow to cool for 2 to 3 minutes then invert onto a large plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired, and serve.

Chef's Note: FYI - if your cast iron skillet is not seasoned, the cranberries will react with the skillet and turn black.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Upside-Down Apple French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans
Alex St Louis, MO 01-01-2010
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Must make this! Amazing!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this for New Years breakfast. It was easy to make, turned out wonderful, and has a great presentation. My husband... requested that I make it again. I highly encourage anyone looking at this recipe to make it. Read more
recipe Upside-Down Apple French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans
Kailee Sarasota, FL 12-26-2009
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A-maz-ing!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this with fresh cranberries instead of craisins... give that a try if you like fresh cranberries. It was the tastiest... thing... EVER. Honestly. And it was really easy. FYI: do your flipping over the sink or you could make a humongous mess! Read more
recipe Upside-Down Apple French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans
null null, null 12-22-2009
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Versatile
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

The best part of this recipe is that it's a foundation for lots of variation. I've made this somewhere between 25-30 times... with all sorts of other fruit, nut, and berry combinations. Here are a few noteworthy ones: Pear, Prosciutto (pre-cooked) and Almond Dried Apricot, Red Currant, and Walnut Fig, Date, and Golden Raisin (figs and dates have texture, so no nuts) Dried Cherry, White Peach, and Pecan Quince, Loganberry (or lingonberry), and Walnut (note lingonberry and loganberry are NOT the same thing!) Get Creative! also, I ALWAYS add freshly grated nutmeg to the egg/milk batter. Also, when using apples, I always cut those first and place them in a bowl of water to prevent oxidation... I've burned the caramel sauce a few times while trying to simultaneously peel, core, and cut the apples. Thanks for the inspiration, Tyler!Read more
recipe Upside-Down Apple French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans
Duna New York, NY 12-21-2009
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Yummmmmmy!!!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This is the best french toast recipe!!! So easy to make and everyone looooved it!! You can't go wrong! Just watch the sugar... carefully when you're melting it.Read more
recipe Upside-Down Apple French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans
Megan New York, NY 12-21-2009
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Making again for Christmas morning...
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Tried this out the first time when my in-laws visited. Very rich and decadent, but a keeper for sure. My husband has asked... for a repeat for Christmas. It will make a beautiful centerpiece for our Christmas breakfast.Read more
recipe Upside-Down Apple French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans
Kim EAst New Market, MD 11-15-2009
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Unbelievable!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This was fairly easy to make a a huge hit with my family and guests!