Apple Raisin Strata
The flavors of apples and raisins blend beautifully to create an elegant yet simple and fast breakfast. Serve this with a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel and a dollop of sweetened whipped cream as a lovely way to start the day.
Ingredients
- 1 1-pound loaf cinnamon raisin bread cubed
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese diced
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples
- 1 ½ cups raisins
- 8 eggs
- 2 ½ cups half and half or cream
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
CARAMEL SAUCE
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cream
- ¼ cup butter
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Arrange half of the cubed raisin bread in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the cream cheese evenly over the bread and top with apples; sprinkle raisins evenly over all.
- Top with remaining bread cubes
- .In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the half-and-half, butter, and maple syrup.
- Pour this over the bread mixture.
- Cover with plastic wrap and press down so that all bread pieces are soaked.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
CARAMEL SAUCE
- Mix the brown sugar, cream, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Whisk while cooking for 5 minutes or until the sauce gets thick.
- Add vanilla and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat, cool slightly, and pour into a jar.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Freeze the cream cheese until just barely solid for easier dicing.