OVEN BAKED FRENCH TOAST WITH TOPPING

French toast:
8 ounces (1/2 loaf) stale bread (preferably a soft French or Italian bread with the crusts removed), cut into 1-inch cubes
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:
3 tablespoons butter, cut into slices
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Arrange the bread cubes in the buttered 9x9-inch pan in one layer. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla until sugar is dissolved. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, then chill, covered, for 1 hour.

Make topping: In a small bowl, stir together butter, sugar, and walnuts with a fork until mixture is crumbly and butter is evenly distributed. Sprinkle topping over soaked bread cubes.

Bake at 350 degrees until custard is set and bread is evenly puffed, about 45 minutes. Cool slightly, about 10 minutes, before serving.

OVEN BAKED FRENCH TOAST WITH TOPPING