Baked Cinnamon French Toast

• 12 slices cinnamon bread divided
• 1/4 cup butter softened
• 9 eggs
• 1 quart milk
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 4-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Line the bottom of a greased 13x9 baking dish with six slices of bread. Butter remaining bread; place with butter side up over bread in pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, cream, sugar and vanilla; mix well.
3. Pour over bread; let stand for 15 minutes.
4. Place the dish in a larger baking pan. Pour boiling water into larger pan to the depth of 1 in.
5. Bake, uncovered, at 375 for 40 minutes or until a knife insereted near the center comes out clean.
6. let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream if you like.