Praline French Toast Bread Pudding

INGREDIENTS

loaf challah (preferably the braided one) or brioche

extra-large eggs

2 cups

heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 cups

whole milk

1 cup

granulated sugar

1 tbsp

pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp

table salt

1/2 tsp

ground nutmeg

1/2 cup

unsalted butter, softened

1 cup

firmly packed dark brown sugar

3/4 cup

coarsely chopped pecans

1 tsp

ground cinnamon

tablespoonsn maple syrup for drizzling