# Ingredient List:
→ Bread
01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah, day-old, sliced thick (approximately 16 oz)
→ Custard
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 2 cups whole milk (16 fl oz)
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream (4 fl oz)
05 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar (2.3 oz)
06 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 tsp ground ginger
09 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
10 - 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
11 - Pinch of salt
→ Topping
12 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 oz)
13 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar (1.75 oz)
14 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
→ Optional Garnishes
15 - Maple syrup
16 - Powdered sugar
17 - Fresh berries
# Directions:
01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Layer bread slices evenly in the baking dish, allowing slight overlap.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt until fully combined.
04 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, gently pressing the bread to absorb the liquid.
05 - In a small bowl, mix melted butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle this topping uniformly over the custard-soaked bread.
06 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to overnight for enhanced flavor absorption.
07 - Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
08 - Remove cover and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
09 - Allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with optional maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries as desired.
