Recipe: Apple French Toast Strata (make ahead, using cream cheese and pie filling)

APPLE FRENCH TOAST STRATA

1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, cut into cubes
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
8 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup maple syrup
Additional maple syrup (optional, for serving)

Arrange half of bread cubes in botom of 13x9x2 inch baking dish.

Cut cream cheese into small cubes and layer of bread. Spoon fruit filling over cream cheese and bread. Top with remaining bread cubes.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, butter and syrup; pour over bread cubes. Flatten bread cubes with spatula to moisten bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

THE NEXT DAY:
Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until top is lightly browned. Serve with additional syrup if desired.

Makes 6 to 8 servings
Source: Comstock