baked apple french toast

so amazingly yummmy!
1 (16ox) large loaf of French bread or 2 small loaves
8 eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups milk
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 9x13 inch glass dish with vegetable oil spray. Slice bread into 11/2 inch slices. Place bread tightly together in one layer in dish (use the ends too). Mix eggs, milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla. Pour the liquid over the bread. Mix remaining 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon and coat apples. Place coated apples on soaked bread. Dot with butter. Bake for 35 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning for 50 minutes. Once dish is baked, cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve with favorite syrup. Makes 12 servings.