Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

(12-14 ounce) loaf french bread, sourdough bread, or challah1

brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature2

confectioners' sugar (don't leave it out, trust me)

teaspoons (15ml) vanilla extract, divided

large eggs

and 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk

ground cinnamon

packed light brown sugar

packed light brown sugar

all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)

ground cinnamon

unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional: fresh fruit, maple syrup, and/or confectioners' sugar for topping