Berry Bliss: The Dreamiest French Toast Casserole Recipe

Tucked away in my weekend breakfast arsenal, this berry french toast casserole delivers pure morning magic.

Sweet berries nestle between soft bread layers, creating a comforting harmony of flavors.

Overnight preparation means you wake up to an effortless, delightful meal that feels like pure indulgence.

Custardy edges and tender center promise a breakfast experience that transcends ordinary morning routines.

Each bite combines the softness of soaked bread with bursts of juicy fruit and subtle cinnamon warmth.

Weekend brunch guests will marvel at this seemingly complicated dish that actually requires minimal morning effort.

Your breakfast table deserves this irresistible, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that turns ordinary mornings into memorable moments.

What Goes into Berry French Toast Casserole

• Bread Cubes: Soft, slightly stale bread ideal for soaking up the custard mixture.
• Mixed Berries: Fresh or frozen berries add sweet-tart flavor and juicy texture to the casserole.

• Eggs: Rich base that helps bind and thicken the custard.
• Milk: Provides creamy liquid for the custard mixture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the custard.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the overall dish.
• Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements berries and bread.
• Salt: Balances and enhances other flavors.

• Flour: Creates crumbly texture for the streusel topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create crispy topping.
• Butter: Binds topping ingredients and provides rich flavor.
• Sliced Almonds or Pecans: Optional crunchy element for additional texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional finishing touch for serving.
• Maple Syrup: Optional sweet drizzle for serving.

How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray of cooking oil. Create a delicious layer by spreading bread cubes across the bottom. Sprinkle a generous handful of mixed berries over the bread. Repeat this process with another layer of bread cubes and remaining berries.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Custard

• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Soak and Chill

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries. Gently press down to help bread absorb all the delicious liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Butter

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create a crumbly texture. Toss in sliced almonds or pecans for extra crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly across the surface. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until the top turns golden and the custard sets beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and garnish with fresh berries. Dive into this mouthwatering breakfast treat that’s sure to impress!

Helpful Tips for Berry French Toast Baking

• Boost Berry Bliss: Ensure the bread is slightly stale or day-old for maximum custard absorption, creating a more decadent texture.
• Customize Your Crunch: Swap almonds or pecans with walnuts or sunflower seeds to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that still maintains rich, creamy consistency.
• Prep Like a Pro: Assemble the casserole the night before to save morning preparation time and allow flavors to meld perfectly.
• Storage Savvy: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating in the oven to maintain the crispy topping's texture.

Storing and Reheating Berry French Toast Casserole

• Store leftover French toast casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the original freshness and flavor intact.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 weeks. Place a date label to track storage time.
• Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain moisture. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes for a crispy top.
• Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore soft texture if needed.

Serving Suggestions for Berry French Toast

• A classic mimosa with fresh orange juice and chilled champagne complements the berry notes, creating a bright and festive breakfast experience.
• A medium-roast Colombian coffee with subtle caramel undertones balances the casserole's sweetness, enhancing the overall morning flavor profile.
• Whipped vanilla bean cream adds luxurious depth, cutting through the rich custard and providing a silky textural contrast to the crunchy almond topping.
• A chilled berry smoothie made with mixed berries, yogurt, and a touch of honey mirrors the casserole's fruity essence while offering a cool, light accompaniment.

Fun Twists on Berry French Toast Casserole

• Gluten-Free Berry Bliss: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes or almond flour bread to make this dish celiac-friendly and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Berry Breakfast Bake: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or silken tofu, use coconut milk instead of dairy, and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version of the classic casserole.
• Low-Sugar Berry Comfort: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor for health-conscious individuals.
• Dairy-Free Morning Treat: Use almond milk or oat milk in place of heavy cream and milk, and substitute butter with coconut oil or margarine to accommodate dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.

Why Berry French Toast Casserole Is Worth Trying

• Perfect for busy families who want a delicious morning meal without complicated cooking steps. Prepare everything the night before, then simply pop it in the oven for a stress-free breakfast experience.
• Ideal for meal prepping and advance planning. The overnight refrigeration allows bread to absorb rich custard, creating deeper flavors and more luxurious texture without extra morning work.
• Adaptable recipe that works beautifully for brunches, holiday gatherings, or special weekend breakfasts. Easily serves multiple people with minimal last-minute preparation, making it a go-to dish for entertaining guests.
• Combines classic French toast elements with fresh berries for a decadent twist. The combination of sweet custard, juicy berries, and crunchy nut topping delivers a restaurant-quality breakfast experience right in your own kitchen.

Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet morning magic happens when French Toast Casserole with mixed berries meets breakfast brilliance. Layers of custardy bread and juicy berries promise a luxurious start that will make weekend brunch feel like a delightful celebration of comfort and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Base:

• 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)

Fruit:

• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) mixed fresh berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

Custard and Sweeteners:

• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Streusel Topping:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Optional Toppings:

• ½ cup (60 grams) sliced almonds or pecans
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Additional fresh berries

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13-inch dish with a thin layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create a foundational layer by distributing half of the bread cubes across the dish’s surface, ensuring even coverage.
3. Scatter the first portion of mixed berries generously over the bread layer, allowing them to nestle between the cubes.
4. Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining bread cubes and then topping with the rest of the berries.
5. Craft the rich custard base by combining eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
6. Whisk the custard ingredients vigorously until they form a smooth, well-integrated mixture with no visible lumps.
7. Gently pour the custard over the bread and berry layers, using a careful technique to ensure complete and even distribution.
8. Press down softly on the surface to help the bread absorb the liquid, maximizing flavor and texture.
9. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, though overnight chilling will enhance the flavor profile.
10. Prepare the crumble topping by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter in a separate bowl.
11. Use a pastry cutter or fingertips to blend the ingredients until they form a loose, crumbly texture.
12. Incorporate sliced almonds or pecans into the topping mixture for added crunch and nutty depth.
13. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and remove the chilled casserole from the refrigerator.
14. Evenly distribute the prepared crumble topping across the entire surface of the casserole.
15. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a set custard consistency.
16. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.
17. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar, drizzling maple syrup, and garnishing with fresh berries for a visually appealing presentation.

Notes

• Use day-old bread for better absorption and a crispier texture, preventing a soggy bottom in your casserole.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy consistency.
• Experiment with seasonal berries like blackberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry combination to add vibrant colors and varied flavors.
• Prepare the casserole the night before for a stress-free morning breakfast that impresses guests and saves valuable cooking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg