Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
Arrange 1/2 of the bread cubes or torn bread in pan.
Sprinkle cream cheese cubes over bread.
Add apples or apple pie filling, spread gently and evenly over mixture.
(Add nuts if you are adding them, now). In a mixing bowl: Mix eggs, cream, butter, syrup and cinnamon. Pour over the bread mixture, making sure all the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least two hours. Preheat oven to 325. Bake for 45 minutes. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. In place of apples. other fruits may be used, such as blueberries, strawberries, or peaches.
Serves 8-12.
