French Toast Strata with Apple and Raisin

A simple but elegant way to make quick brunch. Put it all together the night before, and bake when you're ready. Serve with lots of extra maple syrup. 

1 loaf cinnamon raisin bread, cubed (1 lb loaf)
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, diced
1 cup apples, peeled and diced
8 eggs
2½ cups half and half cream
6 Tbsp. butter, melted
¼ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup raisins (optional)

Coat a 9x13" baking dish with cooking spray.

Arrange ½ of the cubed raisin bread in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the cream cheese evenly over the bread, and top with the apples. If you like extra raisins, add them now.

Top with remaining bread. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the cream, butter, and maple syrup.

Pour over the bread mixture. Cover with plastic wrap, and press down so that all bread pieces are soaked. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C/140°C fan, Gas Mark 3).

Bake 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 12 servings.