I know it sounds funny, but I’m really into this dish!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a rectangular baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Arrange the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly if necessary.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is well soaked.

Scatter the fresh berries over the top of the soaked bread.

Drizzle 1/4 cup of maple syrup over the entire dish.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for a deeper flavor.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with additional maple syrup if desired.

For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. If you have picky eaters, you can customize the toppings by letting each person add their favorite fruit or syrup after baking. For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk and coconut cream for the milk and heavy cream. You can also use gluten-free bread to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.