Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
The Berry French Toast Casserole is everything you could want in a breakfast bake—sweet, creamy, fluffy, and bursting with juicy berries in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or simply want to spoil your family on a lazy weekend morning, this dish brings together classic French toast flavors with a fresh, fruity twist. The make-ahead nature makes it practically foolproof, and there’s something truly magical about pulling a golden, berry-topped casserole hot from the oven. Every forkful is a reason to celebrate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Berry French Toast Casserole is all about simple, quality ingredients coming together to create comfort and color in every slice. Each element plays a role, from custardy eggs to sun-ripened berries and the warm scent of cinnamon. Here’s what you’ll need:
- French bread: Day-old bread is best—it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy and gives just the right fluffiness and bite.
- Eggs: Eight large eggs provide a rich and creamy custard base for the casserole.
- 2% milk: This adds just enough creaminess without making the dish too heavy.
- Vanilla extract: A splash infuses the whole casserole with warmth and depth.
- Cinnamon: Totally classic—this spice wraps everything in gentle, cozy flavor.
- Brown sugar: It sweetens the custard and adds that little touch of molasses richness.
- Strawberries: Sliced fresh strawberries give pops of tartness and juicy color over the top.
- Blueberries: These bite-sized berries bring extra sweetness and a beautiful hue.
- Powdered sugar: For garnish—just a light dusting to finish things off with a pretty, sweet snow.
- Maple syrup: To serve (and to make every bite a little more decadent!).
How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by generously greasing a 9″x13″ casserole dish with either butter or vegetable oil—this not only ensures an easy release after baking, but also helps get that crispy outside everyone loves. Cut your French bread into hearty cubes and pile them up in the dish until it’s about three-quarters full, making sure you have a good mix of crust and soft insides for a perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Make sure you take a minute or two to whisk thoroughly so the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is completely smooth. This custard will soak into the bread and give that classic French toast flavor with every rich, spiced bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, then use a spatula or clean hands to gently press the bread into the liquid. This step ensures every cube gets soaked and no one’s left with a dry bite—think of it as a little TLC for your casserole.
Step 4: Add the Berries
Now the good stuff: scatter the sliced strawberries and blueberries all over the top, making sure the berries are distributed evenly across the surface. This way, every serving of Berry French Toast Casserole gets a perfect pop of fruit in each forkful.
Step 5: Chill the Casserole
Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours, but overnight is ideal if you have the time. The long chill lets the bread soak up all the flavors, so after baking, it comes out creamy on the bottom yet crispy and golden on top—absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and bake for 35-50 minutes. Start checking at the 35-minute mark: the top should be golden and lightly crisp, but if the center isn’t set yet, let it bake a bit longer. Doneness is when the custard is puffed and no longer jiggly in the center.
Step 7: Final Touches
As soon as the casserole comes out of the oven, give it a beautiful finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar—this touch elevates the dish and makes it look as irresistible as it tastes.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous servings onto plates, then drizzle with as much maple syrup as your heart desires. Warm, fragrant, and laced with berries, this Berry French Toast Casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Berry French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
A final flourish goes a long way! Finish your Berry French Toast Casserole with extra fresh berries, a big cloud of whipped cream, and a light rain of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of lemon zest adds color and a bright aroma that complements the berries beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs delightfully with savory breakfast sides. Think crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness, or a simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette for a fresh touch. If you’re putting on a true brunch spread, fruit salad, Greek yogurt, or even a sparkling mimosa round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, serve straight from the casserole dish for a cozy, communal vibe. For gatherings, cut the Berry French Toast Casserole into small squares and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for an easy brunch buffet. Individual ramekins make a festive touch for special occasions or brunch parties—everyone gets their own cute, berry-laden portion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Berry French Toast Casserole keeps beautifully. Cool any extras to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing that lovely creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for a later date, this casserole can absolutely be frozen. Wrap individual portions or the entire pan (once cooled) snugly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual pieces in the microwave until warm, or pop larger portions back into a 350°F oven, covered, for about 15-20 minutes. Remove the cover for the last few minutes if you want to re-crisp the top. Add a little fresh fruit or an extra drizzle of maple syrup to liven up leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for Berry French Toast Casserole?
Absolutely! French bread is classic, but brioche, challah, or even a sturdy sourdough bring their own delicious twist. The key is to use bread that’s slightly stale so it can soak up more custard without disintegrating.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the 2% milk for your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy, and use a plant-based alternative to butter or oil for greasing the dish. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free!
What if I don’t have fresh berries?
No worries—frozen berries work beautifully in this dish. Scatter them over the casserole straight from the freezer, no need to thaw, though you might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I add other fruits or fillings?
Definitely! Raspberries or blackberries are delicious with this recipe, or you could add a handful of chopped peaches or thinly sliced apples for extra flavor. Even a bit of cream cheese or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can take it over the top.
How do I know when my Berry French Toast Casserole is done baking?
The top should be golden and crisp, and when you gently shake the dish, the center should just barely wobble or not at all. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a hint of custard clinging to it—no liquid egg!
Final Thoughts
This Berry French Toast Casserole is one of those swoon-worthy recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. With its cozy, custardy base and bursts of fresh berries, it’s equal parts comforting and celebratory. Give it a try—you (and your brunch guests!) won’t be disappointed.
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Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with this Berry French Toast Casserole. This make-ahead dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a leisurely morning with family. The combination of fluffy French bread, sweet berries, and a hint of cinnamon will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Bread:
- 12–14 cups French bread, cubed
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
Berries and Garnish:
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar, for garnish
Serving:
- Maple syrup, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter. Cut French bread into cubes and add to the dish, filling it up to approximately three-quarters full.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Whisk thoroughly until well-mixed and smooth.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the wet mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish. Gently press the bread to ensure it soaks up the liquid.
- Add berries: Slice strawberries. Distribute the sliced strawberries and blueberries evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Chill the casserole: Wrap the casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or up to overnight to allow the bread to absorb the mixture.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 35-50 minutes, checking for doneness at the 35-minute mark. If needed, bake longer until the top is golden and crisp.
- Final touches: Sprinkle the casserole with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve warm with your desired amount of maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 192mg
Keywords: Berry French Toast Casserole, French Toast, Breakfast Casserole, Brunch Recipe, Make-Ahead Breakfast
