Baked French Toast (with Berry Compote)

Berry Compote
2 cups blueberries
1 cup blackberries
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

French Toast
3 eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup half-and-half
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Eight 1-inch-thick slices brioche bread

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Make the berry compote: In a medium pot, mix the blueberries and blackberries with the maple syrup, honey and vanilla extract to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the mixture is syrupy but the berries are still mostly whole, 6 to 9 minutes.
4. Make the French toast custard: In a large, shallow dish, whisk the eggs with the milk, half-and-half, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt to combine.
5. Dip each bread slice into the custard for 4 to 5 seconds per side, allowing it to soak up some of the liquid.
6. Transfer the dipped slices to the prepared baking sheet.
7. When all the bread slices have been dipped, pour the remaining custard over the slices of bread.
8. Top each slice with 3 tablespoons of the berry mixture.
9. Bake until the berry mixture is bubbly and the French toast is slightly crisp around the edges, 15 to 17 minutes.
10. Cool slightly before serving.
11. Serve with additional berries, if desired.

Serves 6 - 8