Apple-Stuffed French Toast

1 . Stage

Set a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2 . Stage

Place apples in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; allow to cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain apples and toss with white sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

3 . Stage

Melt butter with brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of water in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add walnuts and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour into the prepared baking pan and let cool, about 10 minutes.

4 . Stage

Cover butter mixture with a layer of bread. Spread apple mixture evenly on top.

5 . Stage

Beat eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together in a large mixing bowl. Dip remaining bread slices in egg mixture, then place in a layer over the apple mixture. Pour remaining egg mixture over bread, filling the pan nearly to the top.

6 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until golden and puffed and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cookie sheet. Slice and serve.