Easy Baked French Toast Casserole

8 oz. whipped cream cheese, room temp
1/3 c. chopped pecans
¼ c. light brown sugar
1 T. maple syrup
1 t. ground cinnamon
2 c. milk
5 eggs
¼ c. sugar
1 t. vanilla
1 loaf thick sliced bread
2 T. sugar
1 ½ t. ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar, optional
1. Mix together cheese, pecans, brown sugar, syrup and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Beat together, with whisk, milk, eggs and ¼ c. sugar and vanilla.
3. Spread cheese mixture on side of each slice of bread.
4. Layer at a angle in 13×9” baking dish, cheese spread side up.
5. Pour milk mixture over bread evenly.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.
7. Remove wrap and sprinkle with 2 T. sugar and 1 ½ t. cinnamon, mixed together.
8. Bake in preheated oven of 350, for 20-25 minutes or until browned and is set.
9. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.
*****You can incorporate fresh fruit like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, bananas, etc.