Strawberry French Toast Casserole

1 loaf (20 oz) bread, cubed
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1/3 cup powdered sugar
12 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup maple syrup

Place half the bread cubes in a greased 9 x 13” pan. Layer cream cheese cubes evenly over bread. Sprinkle strawberries over top, and then the powdered sugar. Cover with remaining bread cubes. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, & syrup. Drizzle egg mixture evenly over bread. Cover & refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350*. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 25-30 minutes more, or until center is firm & top is golden brown. Serve with strawberry syrup (recipe below), and maple syrup if desired.

Strawberry Syrup

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
2 T. butter or margarine
¼ c. cornstarch
2 cups mashed strawberries

Combine sugar, cornstarch, & water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and stir/cook until thick. Add strawberries and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add butter. Makes 4 cups.