Caramel Apple French Toast Bake

Ingredients

• 1 day old loaf French Bread, cut into one inch cubes
• 2 apples, peeled, cored and chopped (I used 4 because they were small)
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/3 cup caramel sundae topping plus additional for drizzling
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold butter

Instructions

1. Spray an 9 X 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the cinnamon sugar mixture.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with the lemon juice.
4. Add the apples to the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss to coat
5. Place the bread cubes and apples into a large bowl and lightly toss. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar and vanilla.
7. Evenly pour mixture over the bread and apples. I find it easiest to use a ladle for this.
8. Cover with plastic wrap and place into refrigerator to sit overnight.
9. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, and salt.
10. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal.
11. Place mixture into a plastic bag. Seal and refrigerate overnight. This step can also be done in the morning before placing baking dish into the oven - whichever you find is easiest.
12. The next morning...
13. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
14. Evenly drizzle the 1/3 cup caramel topping over the contents.
15. Sprinkle the Streusel topping evenly on top.
16. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes depending on the desired outcome. 45 minutes will yield a softer, soggier result, and about an hour will be more firm.
17. Drizzle with additional caramel topping before serving, if desired.