Description
A festive and decadent breakfast dish that combines brioche soaked in custard with a sweet cream cheese filling, drizzled with icing and vibrant sanding sugars, perfect for celebrations.
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: Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Layer the Bread and Filling: Arrange half the bread cubes in the prepared dish, then dollop cream cheese mixture and top with the remaining cubes.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
- Soak the Casserole: Pour custard over the bread, pressing down gently, cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F and let the dish sit at room temperature.
- Add the Cinnamon Topping: Mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then drizzle over the casserole.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool Briefly: Let cool for 10 minutes before icing.
- Make and Apply Icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over the casserole and sprinkle with sanding sugars.
- Serve warm, optionally with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Notes
This dish can be made a day in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 172mg