French Toast Bake

• 1 loaf italian white bread
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, melted
• 8 eggs
• 2 12 cups milk
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup blueberries (optional) or 1 cup diced peaches (optional) or 1 cup apple (optional)
• 12 cup sugar
• 4 -6 teaspoons cornstarch (depending on desired thickness)
• 12 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup apple cider or 1 cup apple juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter

1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. Grease a 13" x 9" baking pan.
3. Cut bread 2" cubes.
4. Place half of the bread cubes in baking pan.
5. Top with melted cream cheese.
6. *add fruit on top of cream cheese if using fruit; optional**.
7. Place remaining bread cubes on top.
8. Beat together eggs, milk, 6 Tbsp butter and pour over top.
9. Press down with spatula to moisten evenly.
10. (can now cover and store in refridgerator for up to 24 hours, if desired.
11. ).
12. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes or until bubbly.
13. For Syrup:.
14. Cook all syrup ingredients in a saucepan until bubbly.
15. Let stand at least 2 minutes before serving over french toast bake.

italian white bread, cream cheese, eggs, milk, butter, blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, apple cider, lemon juice, butter

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/french-toast-bake-114141 (may not work)