Butter baking dish(es) well. Fill dish(es) 1/2 full with bread cubes. In small bowl (after "softening"..in microwave) mix butter, cream cheese, and syrup together-- OK to leave a little lumpy. Spoon this mixture over bread cubes - distribute evenly - clear to edges. In large bowl, beat eggs, half & half and vanilla. Pour egg mixture over bread. Your bread cubes will be "floating" at this point -- make sure all cubes are moistened. Dust with cinnamon, cover and store overnight in fridge. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes. It is done when center is raised and firm and whole top is lightly browned. Srves 12.

To serve: Cut in serving pieces (we cut 6 per casserole dish), top with diced strawberries and/or sliced bananas & chopped walnuts...pour on a small amount of syrup and dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediatly... this crashes quickly! * We use sliced sour french bread and then just cut the slices into squares.
Thanks to Cedar Gables Inn, Napa CA