Caramel apple baked french toast

I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of traditional french toast. It always seemed to egg-y to me and, to be honest, why bother when you could make waffles? Then I discovered BAKED french toast. It really is a good alternative to waffles (but only when your waffle iron is broken. Seriously, waffles are amazing). Also, you have to plan ahead for this one since it requires an overnight soak.

Ingredients:

1 lb. loaf of french bread, cut into 1" slices

6 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups milk

1/3 cup apple cider

3/4 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 apple, diced

Directions:

Whisk together the eggs, milk, and cider in a large bowl. Soak the bread in the egg mixture for 30 minutes, gently flipping the bread to make sure all of it is covered. While that is soaking, saute the apple over medium heat until it is soft but stop before it breaks down and becomes apple sauce. Melt butter and sugar together in a 9x13" pan (I generally use a glass pan and just set it over the burner on my stove so I don't have to dirty another bowl). Mix in cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and apple. When your bread has finished soaking carefully remove each slice from the bowl and place it on top of the butter mixture. The slices really don't need their own space, so really cram em in there. Cover the pan and place in the fridge overnight. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes. Invert onto a baking sheet and serve.