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