Ingredients:

  • 1 lb day old brioche bread, cut into 2.5cm (1 inch) cubes
  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 8 oz full fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup real maple syrup
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp pure almond extract
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Cut your 1 lb of brioche into 2.5cm cubes.
  2. Toss sliced strawberries with 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Wait 10 minutes until they look glossy and wet.
  3. Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest.
  4. Grease your baking dish and spread half the brioche cubes.
  5. Scatter the berries and dollop the cream cheese mixture over the bread.
  6. Cover with the remaining brioche cubes, pressing down slightly.
  7. Combine eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, and salt.
  8. Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Press down until every cube is submerged.
  9. Place in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 45 minutes until the top is golden and the center doesn't wobble.
  10. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.