Holiday Recipes--Judy's Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole

Judy’s Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole

1 Cup light brown sugar
3 Tablespoons light Karo Syrup
6 Tablespoons Butter
1 can (20 oz.) Apple Pie filling
1 ½ pkgs cream cheese (12 ozs)
7 medium eggs
2 cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 loaf French bread, cubed

Combine brown sugar, Karo syrup, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for one minute. Pour into a greased or sprayed 9 X 13 inch baking dish. (Note: Warm the dish slightly to help spread the caramelized mixture.)
Spread apples over caramel.
Place half of the loaf of bread over the apples. Cut pieces of cream cheese and place evenly over the bread. Place the remaining bread cubes over the cream cheese.
Whisk together the eggs, milk and vanilla and pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature (approximately 1 hour) before baking. Bake for 45 minutes in a 350 degree oven, until golden brown. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Note* This dish carries very nicely to a brunch in the Pyrex portables casserole dish.
I have tried with ready made caramel ice cream topping...did not work well. So, don't try that short cut.

Again this is great for serving a houseful of company during the holidays!

This is almost like a bread pudding...so you can make it for a dessert as well!