Blackberry French Toast

01Method

1. 1

   Warm the blackberry jam in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring once, until fully melted and smooth, about 1–2 minutes.

2. 2

   Arrange half the bread cubes in a single layer in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Drizzle the melted jam evenly over the top, then layer the remaining bread cubes on top.

3. 3

   Whisk together the half-and-half and cream cheese in a bowl until combined, then beat in the eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth. Pour the custard over the bread and scatter the brown sugar on top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.

4. 4

   When ready to bake, heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

5. 5

   Bake the covered dish for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden and the custard is fully set, 10–15 minutes more. Serve with your choice of toppings.