Apple Bread Pudding

2 tablespoons butter
3 large apples, such as Honeycrisp (about 1 1/2 lb.),peeled or unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch dice 
3 cups half and half
4 large eggs
1/2 cup cane sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 loaf cinnamon-raisin bread or challah, cut into cubes
1/3 cup maple syrup

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9 x 13 inch pan. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add apples, and cook, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
2. Whisk together half and half, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in bread cubes and let sit 5 minutes. Stir in cooked apples.
3. Spread the bread mixture in the pan evenly and drizzle with the maple syrup.
4. Bake for 45 – 50 minutes or until golden and center is set.