Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts comforting, impressive, and bursting with color, Berry French Toast Casserole is calling your name! This delightful breakfast bake combines luscious bites of custard-soaked brioche with a cascade of juicy berries, all tucked under a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend brunch or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish to prep ahead, this recipe checks every box. Prepare to fall in love with every forkful—the blend of sweet, tart, creamy, and golden-baked flavors is pure breakfast magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this recipe is just how approachable it is, thanks to its simple ingredients. Each element brings something special—whether it’s the tender bread, the lush custard, or those jewel-toned berries that grace every bite. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Berry French Toast Casserole:
- Day-old brioche or French bread: These soak up the custard without falling apart, giving you the perfect base with a hint of richness.
- Large eggs: They’re the glue of your custard, binding everything with fluffy structure.
- Whole milk: Brings creaminess and moisture, ensuring every bite is tender.
- Heavy cream: Adds luxurious body to the custard, making it ultra-silky.
- Granulated sugar: Lends the perfect amount of sweetness without overwhelming the fresh berry flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Just a tablespoon makes the whole casserole taste like your favorite bakery treat.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of cozy spice that ties everything together.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors beautifully.
- Mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries): Feel free to use fresh or frozen—each berry brings bursts of tartness and color.
- Powdered sugar (for topping): A finishing dusting that adds sweetness and visual appeal.
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing): Prevents sticking and gives the edges a gentle crispness.
How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base
Start by generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with either butter or nonstick spray. Arrange your cubes of day-old brioche or French bread in an even layer—don’t worry about being too precise, a little haphazardness just makes for more tempting nooks and crannies once it’s baked! This foundation will soak up the custard beautifully, ensuring every bite is both light and satisfying.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Take a full minute to get this mixture nice and smooth—you want everything evenly combined so the custard sets evenly and flavors every morsel of bread. The result is a creamy, aromatic blend that transforms simple ingredients into something crave-worthy.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down with the back of a spoon or your clean hands, helping the bread soak up all that custardy goodness. Scatter your mixed berries evenly across the top—the more color, the better! Don’t be shy, as the berries will sink in a bit as everything bakes, creating fruity pockets throughout.
Step 4: Chill and Rest
Cover the casserole tightly and transfer it to the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you want to make morning assembly a breeze. This resting period is crucial: letting the bread soak ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture and will infuse every cube with flavor. An overnight rest also makes this Berry French Toast Casserole an ideal make-ahead brunch hero.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let your casserole sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes—the chill should come off so everything bakes evenly. Pop it in the oven uncovered and let the aroma fill your kitchen as you bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set (not jiggly). Let it cool just enough to slice, then dust with powdered sugar and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Berry French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
You’ve already worked magic with powdered sugar, but why stop there? Brighten each serving with a few fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a generous swirl of maple syrup. A light berry compote brings even more tartness and color, making each plate brunch-worthy and photo-ready.
Side Dishes
Berry French Toast Casserole holds its own, but pairing it with crisp bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or a simple green salad can round out the meal. For a lighter touch, consider a fruit salad or mellow Greek yogurt—these sides balance the richness and let the casserole shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your breakfast spread unforgettable by baking the Berry French Toast Casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also cut the casserole into fun shapes using a cookie cutter, perfect for brunch buffets or serving kids. For a festive brunch, serve it on a platter surrounded by extra fresh berries and a sprinkling of mint leaves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (a big “if!”), simply wrap your baking dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. The casserole will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it gets even more flavorful as the custard settles in.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the Berry French Toast Casserole completely, then slice and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month; this makes breakfast meal-prep a total breeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop single servings in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through. If you want a crisp top, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for Berry French Toast Casserole?
Absolutely! While brioche and French bread add rich flavor and texture, challah or even sturdy sandwich bread can work in a pinch. Just avoid very soft or sandwich-sliced breads—they don’t hold up as well when soaked.
Do I have to use fresh berries, or will frozen work?
You can use fresh or frozen berries—both deliver fantastic flavor. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw first; just add them straight to the casserole before baking to avoid excess moisture.
Can the casserole be prepared in advance?
Yes! You can assemble Berry French Toast Casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. This makes hosting brunch completely stress-free.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is ready when the top is set and golden, and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a little moisture is fine, just not liquid custard). This usually takes 45 to 50 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
Berry French Toast Casserole is vegetarian, and you can adapt it with dairy alternatives if needed. Gluten-free bread substitutes well if you want a gluten-free option—just keep an eye on moisture absorption, as some gluten-free breads can soak up more custard.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy, berry-packed breakfast that’s as easy as it is impressive, don’t wait to try Berry French Toast Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that will make any morning feel a bit more special, whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or treating yourself. I promise: your kitchen will smell amazing and everyone will be asking for seconds!
Print
Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delightful Berry French Toast Casserole, a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that is bursting with juicy mixed berries. This baked French toast is easy to prepare and offers a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) day-old brioche or French bread cut into 1-inch cubes
Custard:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the custard over the bread cubes.
- Add Berries: Sprinkle mixed berries on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake casserole uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or berry compote.
- Frozen berries can be used directly without thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
