Cherry-Berry Stuffed French Toast Casserole

Cherry-Berry Stuffed French Toast Casserole

(Serves 8-10)

Filling-

1 - 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons sugar

Egg Mixture-

6 eggs

1/2 cup half-and-half

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon Candied Ginger Cinnamon Spice (or regular cinnamon)

1/8 teaspoon salt

Topping-

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup blueberries

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon corn syrup

12 brioche bread slices

2 cups assorted fresh or frozen berries and cherries (strawberries, sweet cherries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries). You could even use pie filling in this recipe, use what you have.

NOTE-

Use any combination of berries and cherries that are in season (strawberries should be hulled and halved; cherries should be pitted and halved before using).

Pure maple syrup, for garnish

Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350º-F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray.

Filling-

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

Egg Mixture-

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon and salt.

Topping-

In a small saucepan, heat all topping ingredients together over medium heat until butter is melted and everything is well-incorporated.

Assemble-

Add 6 slices of brioche bread to cover the bottom of the baking dish, then evenly spread the filling over the bread slices. Add 1 cup of the fruit, then add the remaining 6 slices of bread. Pour the egg mixture over the entire dish. Make sure the egg mixture gets evenly distributed; gently press down on all the bread slices with a spatula or clean hands.

Evenly pour topping over the egg-soaked bread and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until done. Let set up for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.

Garnish with remaining fresh fruit, berries, maple syrup and mint leaves.