Mother’s Day can be extra special when you make this quick and easy Breakfast Bake. In this recipe, we begin by toasting the bread cubes after coating them with melted Challenge Butter to bring out the buttery taste and give some texture to this casserole. To finish, a delicious buttery Peach Syrup is made, and this perfect breakfast-in-bed recipe is served with a dollop of whipped cream. The ideal gift from the heart for Mother’s Day the whole family can make!

Ingredients

  • 12 1-inch slices french bread, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
  • 8 peach halves in light syrup diced, and 1½ cup of the syrup from the jar
  • 1 stick (8 Tablespoons) Challenge Butter
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
  • 10 eggs
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 2 teaspoons organic ground cinnamon
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • ½ cup light brown sugar for syrup, ⅓ cup for casserole
  • cooking spray
  • dairy whipped topping

Directions

  • 1

    Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with PAM. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

  • 2

    Pour half of the bread cubes into the baking dish, spreading evenly in the bottom. Add the cubes of cream cheese, followed by the diced peaches. Pour the remaining bread cubes on top.

  • 3

    Add eggs, half and half, ⅓ cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla in a medium-sized bowl. Using a wire whisk, whisk ingredients until incorporated.

  • 4

    Slowly pour the egg mixture over the top of the casserole, allowing the egg mixture to soak into the bread. Press the top down into the egg mixture and smooth the top with a spoon.

  • 5

    Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

  • 6

    While the casserole is baking, prepare your Peach Butter Syrup. Place 1 stick of butter in a saucepan along with the reserved peach juice and ½ cup of brown sugar. Once the butter is melted, simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to slightly thicken. Remove from heat and add the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla.

  • 7

    Cut the Peaches and Cream Breakfast Bake into 12 squares. Serve with the Peach Butter Syrup and a squirt of whipped cream.

Chef’s Tips

  • If you have some fresh peaches on hand, go ahead and use them! Peel and dice 4 fresh peaches. For the syrup, substitute peach nectar or apple juice instead.
  • This recipe can also be made with strawberries for a delicious Strawberry and Cream Delight! Simply add 1½ cups of fresh diced strawberries, and use your favorite fruit juice for the syrup.
  • This is the perfect make-ahead dish for any special breakfast occasion. After assembly, place it in the refrigerator overnight. Add 5 minutes to the bake time since the casserole will be cold.