Caramel Apple Baked French Toast

I used to think that I hated french toast. Whenever I ate it growing up it was always soggy and sort of runny. I thought that was how french toast was supposed to be, but really I was just eating a poorly made version of it. This baked french toast is not overly eggy and not soggy at all. It is delicious and sticky - almost like sticky rolls and french toast had the most perfect baby in the world. Since it is fall now I made an apple version of it, but you can replace the apple with peaches, or just leave it out entirely.

Recipe:
1 lb loaf of french bread, cut into 1" slices
6 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups milk

1 apple, diced and sauteed until very soft
3/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Mix eggs and milk together in a large bowl. Soak bread in egg mixture for 30 minutes. In the meantime, melt butter and brown sugar together. Add sauteed apples, cinnamon, and vanilla. Transfer mixture to a 9x13" pan. Placed soaked bread on top. Cover and place in refrigerator overnight. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes or until the bread isn't soggy. Turn over onto a lined pan and serve.