# What You’ll Need:
→ Bread
01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah, day-old, sliced thick (about 16 oz)
→ Custard
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
05 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar (3.25 tbsp or 65 g)
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 (4 tbsp or 55 g)
13 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar (4 tbsp or 50 g)
14 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
→ Optional Garnishes
15 - Maple syrup
16 - Powdered sugar
17 - Fresh berries
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Arrange bread slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly.
03 - Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
04 - Pour custard evenly over the bread and gently press down to ensure absorption.
05 - Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl; drizzle mixture evenly over the casserole.
06 - Cover and refrigerate the assembled dish for at least 30 minutes or overnight for optimal flavor melding.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
08 - Uncover and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is just set.
09 - Allow to cool slightly and serve warm adorned with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries as preferred.
