Ingredients
1 loaf (approx. 12 cups) Day-old Brioche or Challah bread, cubed
6 large Eggs
2 ½ cups Whole milk
1 cup Heavy cream
½ cup Pure maple syrup (plus more for serving)
2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
¼ tsp Ground nutmeg
¼ tsp Salt
2 tbsp Unsalted butter (for greasing)
¼ cup Demerara or Turbinado sugar (for topping)
Powdered sugar and fresh berries (for serving)
Instructions
1. Prep: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cube bread into 1-inch pieces and spread evenly in the dish.
2. Custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Soak: Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Press down with a spatula to ensure all bread is submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.
4. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the demerara sugar over the top. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and the center is set.
5. Serve: Let cool for 10-15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup and fresh berries.
Notes
Pro-Tips:
• Use day-old or slightly dried-out bread so it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
• If your bread is fresh, cube it and leave it out on a baking sheet overnight to dry it out.
• Don’t skip the nutmeg—it provides a subtle, warm aromatic depth that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Variations:
• Chocolate: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the custard or between bread layers.
• Citrus: Mix the zest of one orange or lemon into the custard mixture.
• Savory: Omit sugar and spices; replace with shredded cheddar, diced ham, and black pepper.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian