Baked Apple French Toast

Name: Baked Apple French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: For the French Toast:; One 1-lb challah or raisin challah; 5 large eggs; 1½ cups half & half; 3 tablespoons maple syrup; 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional; replace with apple cider or half-&-half if desired); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Heaping ¼ teaspoon salt; For the Apple Topping:; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced; ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar; 6 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; For Serving:; Confectioners' sugar and/or maple syrup