Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole

Crème Brulee French Toast Casserole (TiredAn)
I got this recipe from a friend, so yummy. She adapts it, using soy coffee creamer because her daughter is allergic to dairy.

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
6 slices 1 inch thick day old challah bread
5 large eggs
1 ½ cups half and half (or soy coffee creamer)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grand marnier or orange liqueur
¼ teaspoon salt

Combine butter, brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Pour into 13x9 baking dish.

Trim crusts from bread and arrange in 1 layer in baking dish. Whisk eggs, half & half, vanilla, grand marnier and salt in large mixing bowl. Pour evenly over bread.

Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator and let come to room temperature (30-60 minutes). Preheat oven to 350 and bake uncovered 30-45 minutes until puffed and edges are light golden brown.