Preheat oven to 350°F.

Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish liberally with nonstick cooking spray.

Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, spices, and salt and whisk until smooth. Add to bread cubes, and fold with a rubber spatula.

Peel and core apples, then dice into scant 1/2-inch cubes. Add to bread mixture, and fold in with a rubber spatula to distribute.

Transfer bread mixture to prepared baking dish.

Bake French toast on middle rack of oven until it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center of a piece comes out clean, 45-50 minutes.

Check to see that French toast is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Allow French toast to cool in dish for at least 10 minutes. Prior to serving, plate toast (cut as desired), sift powdered sugar over the top, and drizzle with maple syrup. Refrigerate leftovers for 2-3 days.