Ingredients

1 loaf challah (or French bread)

1/2 cup softened cream cheese

1/4 cup strawberry preserves

1/2 tsp grated lemon rind

3 eggs

3/4 cup milk

3 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

2 Tbsp melted butter

Confectioners’ sugar, for sprinkling

Fresh strawberries, for garnish

Maple syrup or a fruit syrup

Preparation

  1. Spritz a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Slice bread into 12 pieces. Make a slit in side of each slice, large enough to accommodate filling without tearing bread.

  2. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, preserves, and lemon rind on medium until well blended. Spread a little cheese mixture inside slit of each slice of bread. Transfer to baking pan.

  3. In a medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Pour over slices, turning to coat. Cover and chill for at least 1/2 hour and no longer than 24 hours.

  4. Preheat oven to 425°F. Drizzle slices with butter and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with strawberries. Serve with maple or fruit syrup.