Make Ahead French Toast Bake

This is perfect for a family breakfast or brunch ~
It is similar to bread pudding and three
generations of family all enjoyed it.

Ingredients: 

1 tablespoon butter

12 to 13 slices of brioche bread**

8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature

1/4 cup of powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

8 eggs

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup whole or 2% milk

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Garnishes:

maple syrup (optional)

whipped cream (optional)

Method:

Place the bread on a wire rack and allow to dry a bit. Use the butter to grease the sides and bottom of a 9x13 inch pan or 10 cup baking dish and set aside.

Cut the bread into cubes and layer half of the cubes in the prepared pan. 

Use an electric mixer to blend together the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla. Place spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the bread in the pan.

Top with the remainder of the bread cubes.

Beat together the eggs, cinnamon, milk, syrup and vanilla. Pour the mixture over all of the ingredients in the pan.

Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350*. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue cooking for another 20 minutes.

Allow to rest for 5 minutes before cutting. If desired, garnish with whipped cream and serve with syrup. Makes 12 servings. 

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

**I use brioche bread, but King's Hawaiian, sourdough or other white breads may be used.

Note: This is a simple breakfast that I like to serve on holidays or when we have a lot of family visiting ~ Definitely a crowd pleaser!