# What You'll Need:
→ Bread and Custard
01 - 1 large loaf brioche or challah (about 16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 6 large eggs
03 - 2 cups whole milk
04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
09 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - ¼ teaspoon salt
→ Filling
11 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 - ⅓ cup powdered sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
→ Topping
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
15 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
16 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Icing and Decoration
17 - 1 cup powdered sugar
18 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
19 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
20 - Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or sprinkles
# How-To Steps:
01 - Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
03 - Arrange half the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Dollop cream cheese mixture evenly over bread layer. Top with remaining bread cubes.
04 - Whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
05 - Pour custard evenly over bread mixture, pressing down gently to ensure thorough soaking. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and allow to stand at room temperature while oven reaches temperature.
07 - Mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Drizzle mixture evenly over the casserole.
08 - Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until puffed and golden brown on top.
09 - Remove from oven and allow casserole to cool for 10 minutes.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and pourable consistency is reached. Drizzle icing over warm casserole. Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars in festive stripes.
11 - Serve warm, optionally accompanied by fresh berries or whipped cream.
