# What You Need:
→ Bread
01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, approximately 16 oz, day-old, sliced thick
→ Custard
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 2 cups whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar
06 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
11 - Pinch of salt
→ Topping
12 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
13 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Optional Garnishes
15 - Maple syrup
16 - Powdered sugar
17 - Fresh berries
# How-To Steps:
01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Place bread slices in the dish, overlapping slightly.
03 - Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
04 - Pour custard evenly over bread; gently press bread down to absorb custard.
05 - Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl; drizzle evenly over the top.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for optimal texture.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
08 - Uncover and bake casserole for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
09 - Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with optional maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
