French Toast with Apple, Cinnamon and Raisin (Baked)

This recipe can be easily prepared a day ahead. Just cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the oven the next day. This recipe can easily be cut in half.

1 loaf cinnamon raisin bread, cubed (1 lb)
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, diced
1 cup apples, peeled and sliced in thin slivers
10 eggs
2½ cups half and half cream
6 Tbsp. butter, melted
¼ cup pure maple syrup, plus more for serving

Coat a 9x13" baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange ½ of the cubed raisin bread in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the cream cheese evenly over the bread, and top with the apples. If you like extra raisins, add them now.

Top with remaining bread. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the cream, butter, and maple syrup.

Pour over the bread mixture. Cover with plastic wrap, and press down so that all bread pieces are soaked. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or preferraby overnight.

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C/140°C fan, Gas Mark 3).

Bake for 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving so that the flavours may absorb and the steam moistens the middle.

Serve with additional warm maple syrup if desired.

Makes 12 servings.