Baked French Toast

BAKED FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

1 loaf french bread cut in 1" pieces
16 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup blueberries or other fruit of your choice (optional)
12 eggs, beaten
2.5 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup maple syrup

Butter a 9 x 13" pan. Arrange half the bread cubes in the dish.

Soften cream cheese and beat with 1/2 cup sugar.  Dollop the cream cheese on the bread cubes and sprinkle with blueberries (optional).  Top with the other half of the bread cubes

In large bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, vanilla and maple syrup.  Pour over bread cubes.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from refrigerator about 30 minutes before ready to bake, preheat oven to 350. Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 25-30 minutes until center is firm and surface is lightly browned.