Dive into the world of luxurious breakfasts with our Ultimate Gourmet Cinnamon Baked French Toast! Inspired by the classic comfort food, this recipe takes the beloved dish to new heights, blending the richness of brioche or challah bread with a creamy custard, fresh berries, and a crunchy nut topping for a breakfast or brunch that's as decadent as it is delightful. Follow along as we guide you through each step, transforming simple ingredients into a masterpiece that's perfect for leisurely mornings, special occasions, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary. Let's get baking!

Ingredients:

Brioche or Challah Bread: 1 loaf (thick slices)
Eggs: 8 large
Whole Milk: 2 cups
Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Pure Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup
Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon
Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
Fine Sea Salt: A pinch
Mixed Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries): 1 cup
Cream Cheese (softened and cubed): 8 oz
All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup
Brown Sugar (packed): 1/2 cup
Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed): 1/4 cup
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: 1/2 cup
Garnishes: Powdered sugar, additional berries, maple syrup, fresh whipped cream

Final Instructions:

Begin by cutting your choice of bread into thick slices, then into large cubes. Arrange these in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this mixture over the bread, ensuring each piece is coated. Dot with cream cheese and sprinkle with berries, pressing them gently into the bread.
For the crumb topping, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Add butter, blending until the mixture is crumbly, then stir in the nuts. Sprinkle this over your prepared dish.
Allow the dish to rest, covered, in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight, to let the bread absorb the custard.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and continue baking for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, adorned with fresh berries, and accompanied by maple syrup and whipped cream for the ultimate breakfast indulgence.