In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, brown sugar cinnamon and walnuts. Mix until well combined. Spread a thick layer of filling over four bread slices and top with remaining four bread slices.

For the french toast, in a medium bowl whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Transfer mixture to a shallow dish and set aside.

Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Soak one sandwich at a time in the egg mixture on one side, then flip to the other side until well coated but not soggy.

Add sandwich to skillet and cook on one side until golden, about two minutes before flipping to other side and continuing to cook for an additional two minutes.

Continue with remaining sandwiches adding more butter to the skillet if needed.

Slice each sandwich in half and dust with confectioner's sugar if desired. Serve with maple syrup.