Caramel Apple Raisin Strata
Caramel Apple Raisin Strata combines cinnamon raisin bread, tender apples, cream cheese, and maple custard in a comforting baked breakfast. A warm homemade caramel sauce completes this sweet brunch dish.
Equipment
- 9-Inch Square Baking Dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- oven
- plastic wrap
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- For the Strata
- ⅓ loaf Cinnamon Raisin Bread about 150 g and cut into cubes
- 85 g Cream Cheese chilled and diced
- ½ cup Apple peeled and diced
- ½ cup Raisins
- 3 large Eggs lightly beaten
- ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon Half-and-Half
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter melted
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Maple Syrup
- Cooking Spray for greasing
- For the Caramel Sauce
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Light Brown Sugar firmly packed
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Heavy Cream
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Unsalted Butter
- 1 pinch Kosher Salt
- ¾ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Coat a 9-inch square baking dish lightly with cooking spray.
- Arrange half of the cinnamon raisin bread cubes in the baking dish.
- Distribute the cream cheese, diced apple, and raisins evenly over the bread.
- Cover the filling with the remaining bread cubes.
- Whisk the eggs, half-and-half, melted butter, and maple syrup together in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and gently press the bread into the custard.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and bake for approximately 45 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden.
- Let the strata rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Whisk the caramel sauce continuously for approximately 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling it over the warm strata.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve the strata warm with the homemade caramel sauce, a spoonful of whipped cream, or extra maple syrup. Add fresh berries or a simple fruit salad for a complete breakfast. Browse our Breakfast Recipes and Brunch Recipes for more serving inspiration.Recipe Notes
Chill the cream cheese until firm before dicing it to produce cleaner cubes. Pressing the bread gently into the custard ensures that every piece absorbs the egg mixture. Prepare the strata the evening before and refrigerate it overnight for an easy morning meal.Variations
Replace the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates. Pears can be used instead of apples, while toasted pecans or walnuts add extra crunch. For a lighter result, replace the half-and-half with whole milk.Wine Advice
A lightly chilled Moscato d’Asti complements the apples, raisins, and caramel without overwhelming the dish. An off-dry Riesling is another suitable choice for a festive brunch.Nutrition values
Serving: 1 portion | Calories: 565 kcal | Carbohydrates: 74 g | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 26 g | Saturated Fat: 14 g | Sodium: 410 mg | Sugar: 45 g