Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In small bowl, stir butter and ½ cup of the brown sugar until well blended.
Spread evenly in bottom of baking dish.
Top with 7 of the bread slices (cutting to fit, if necessary), the cheese, apple and remaining bread slices.
In large bowl, beat eggs, milk, vanilla, the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar and the cinnamon with whisk until well blended.
Pour evenly over bread mixture.
Press bread down into egg mixture to coat.
Cover tightly with foil; refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.
Heat oven to 350°F.
Bake strata covered 25 minutes.
Uncover; bake 30 to 35 minutes longer or until golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Let stand 10 minutes.
Invert onto serving platter.
Serve with syrup.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Festive Touch Garnish this decadent breakfast bake with a dollop of whipped cream, apple slices and a sprinkling of cinnamon.Kitchen Secrets Baking apples such as Braeburn and Honeycrisp work best for the success of this recipe. Leave the peel on or peel it—it’s up to you.