Start by selecting a loaf of your favorite bread suitable for French toast. Toast a slice, butter it, and enjoy it as a snack. Set the loaf aside for later use.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a 9x13 baking dish, melt a stick of butter.

Once melted, add one cup of brown sugar to the butter and whisk until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

Create a layer of bread on top of the butter and sugar mixture.

In a separate bowl, crack six eggs and add one cup of whole milk, half a cup of heavy whipping cream, and a teaspoon of vanilla. Whisk the mixture until it is fully blended.

Pour half of the egg mixture over the layer of bread, then sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top.

Add another layer of bread on top, followed by the remaining egg mixture. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.

Sprinkle a little more cinnamon or cinnamon sugar on top for added flavor.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it to soak, ideally overnight.

When you're ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge and uncover it. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and check the casserole. Return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until it is set.

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting a piece and serving it on a plate. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy your delicious breakfast!