Baked French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

8 ounces whipped cream cheese
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups of milk
5 eggs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 loaf thick sliced bread
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
confectioners’ sugar, optional

Directions

Mix together the cheese, pecans, syrup, brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Then set aside.

Next, beat together your milk, eggs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla. Spread your cheese mixture on one side of each slice of bread.

Layer the bread slices at an angle in a 9 x 13″ baking dish, cheese side up. Pour the milk mixture over the bread evenly and completely throughout.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it chill overnight. Then, remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon mixed together.

Bake in the preheated oven set at 350 degrees F (or 176 degrees C), for 20 to 25 minutes and until browned and the egg is set. Sprinkle the dish with confectioners’ sugar before serving, if desired.