Name: Berry French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices thick bread (like challah, brioche, or Texas toast), cubed; 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); 6 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups milk (or dairy-free milk); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for serving); Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Berry French Toast Casserole is a sweet and indulgent breakfast dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a relaxing weekend brunch. Layers of thick, buttery bread soak up a custard-like filling, then bake to golden perfection with bursts of fresh berries throughout. Topped with a crispy crust and a dusting of powdered sugar, this casserole is a delightful treat that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how easy this recipe is while still feeling like a gourmet breakfast. The combination of thick, fluffy bread, fresh mixed berries, and a rich custard creates a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for a holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even a breakfast-for-dinner option. The golden, crispy top and the soft, custardy layers underneath make each bite a little piece of heaven. Plus, it’s simple to prepare in advance, which makes mornings so much easier!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 slices thick bread (like challah, brioche, or Texas toast), cubed

2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

6 large eggs

1 1/2 cups milk (or dairy-free milk)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons maple syrup (for serving)

Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layer the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the mixed berries over the bread cubes.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if preparing ahead of time.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the casserole, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Drizzle with melted butter and maple syrup before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this Berry French Toast Casserole to your liking:

Fruit: Feel free to swap out the mixed berries for other fruits like peaches, apples, or even bananas. You can also add a mix of dried fruits for a different texture.

Bread: I love using thick, rich bread like brioche or challah, but any sturdy bread will work. You can even try cinnamon raisin bread for an extra flavor boost.

Toppings: While maple syrup is a must, you can also serve this with whipped cream, a dollop of yogurt, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Make it dairy-free: Swap the heavy cream and milk for plant-based versions like almond milk or oat milk to make this casserole dairy-free.

Spices: In addition to cinnamon, you can experiment with nutmeg, cloves, or even a dash of orange zest for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For an extra crispy top, place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes. You can also freeze individual portions for later; just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

Related Recipes:

Mixed Berry Tart

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This Berry French Toast Casserole can be made the night before. Simply assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Then, bake it the next morning when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen berries work just as well as fresh in this casserole. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the bread, and consider draining any excess moisture to prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy.

What type of bread works best for French toast casserole?

I prefer thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast for the best texture. They absorb the custard without falling apart. However, any bread with a dense texture will work—just avoid using super soft sandwich bread.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole should be golden brown on top and firm in the center. Insert a toothpick into the middle; if it comes out clean, the casserole is done. If the top is golden but the inside is still too soft, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free. Just ensure that the other ingredients you’re using are also gluten-free (like the milk, cream, and sugar), and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free breakfast!

Conclusion

Berry French Toast Casserole is the perfect breakfast or brunch dish when you want something that’s easy, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing. I love that it’s simple to prepare and can be customized to suit any occasion. Whether you make it the night before or whip it up in the morning, this casserole is always a hit. It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit savory, and absolutely delicious from the first bite to the last!

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