Description
A festive and luxurious twist on breakfast featuring brioche or challah soaked in custard, with a cream cheese filling and topped with vibrant sanding sugars.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large loaf brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 16 oz)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with melted butter or cooking spray.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Bread and Filling: Arrange half of the bread cubes in the baking dish, sprinkle dollops of the cream cheese mixture, then top with remaining bread cubes.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: Whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Soak the Casserole: Pour custard over the bread, pressing down gently. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat and Rest: Preheat oven to 350°F and allow the baking dish to rest at room temperature.
- Add the Cinnamon Topping: Mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon, and drizzle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool Briefly: Let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Make and Apply Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, drizzle over the casserole, and sprinkle with sanding sugars.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally paired with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Notes
Make ahead by preparing the night before for a stress-free morning. Customize with toppings like chocolate chips or nuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 135mg