My grandmother did this growing up, and I love love love it now, though in all honesty it's not one I make often. It makes a LOT (8 - 12 servings, depending on how you cut it) and we're just 2.
Apple Stuffed French Toast Casserole
2 loafs (16 oz) Cinnamon Bread
8 oz cream cheese
3 to 4 large cooking apples, peeled and sliced thin
1 stick butter or margarine
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon water
1 dozen eggs
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/3 cup maple syrup
Cinnamon (if desired)
Peel, core and slice your apples. These slices can be in wedges or rings.
Cube the first loaf of bread and place in the bottom of a greased 9"x13" pan. Dot with cubed cream cheese.
Combine the butter, brown sugar, water and apples in a pan. Cook until slightly softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Cover the cubed bread and cream cheese with this mixture, top with the second loaf of cubed bread.
Combine eggs, maple syrup, vanilla and milk, mix until completely combined. Pour over the bread and apple mixture, making sure every piece of bread is soaked. Sprinkle cinnamon over mixture if desired. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight.
Take out of the refrigerator at least a 1/2 hour before baking. Bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees (covered). Uncover and bake an additional 30-40 minutes or until the casserole is set.
Serve with maple syrup or vanilla sauce.