The Berry-Packed French Toast Casserole Recipe You’ll Adore

Mornings sparkle with this delightful berry French toast casserole that promises pure comfort and indulgence.

Waking up to a fragrant kitchen filled with sweet aromas and warmth.

Layers of soft bread cuddle juicy berries in a dreamy breakfast creation that feels like a weekend celebration.

Soft custard embraces each slice, creating magic between crispy edges and tender centers.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making you the breakfast hero of your household.

Berries add bursts of color and bright flavor that transform an ordinary morning into something special.

Treat yourself to this crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Helpful Tips For Berry French Toast Casserole

• Prep Ahead for Maximum Flavor: Soak the bread mixture overnight to allow ingredients to fully meld, creating a richer, more intense taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Customize Berry Blend: Mix different berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant, complex flavor and beautiful color contrast in the casserole.
• Control Moisture Perfectly: Press bread gently into custard to ensure even absorption without creating soggy patches, guaranteeing a consistent texture throughout.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free bread to make the recipe suitable for various dietary restrictions.
• Prevent Burning the Topping: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil midway through baking if the nut crumble starts browning too quickly, protecting the delicate topping from burning.

Storing And Reheating Berry French Toast Casserole The Right Way

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze Wisely: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat Gently: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on medium power, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, place in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Restore Texture: Sprinkle a few fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top after reheating to revive the casserole's original appetizing appearance and add a burst of fresh flavor.

What Goes Well With Berry French Toast Casserole

• Brew the Perfect Morning Companion: Pair this berry French toast casserole with a light, aromatic coffee like Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. Its bright, floral notes will complement the sweet berries and rich custard, creating a delightful breakfast experience.
• Sip a Fruity Beverage Boost: Serve alongside a fresh berry smoothie or a chilled glass of mixed berry juice. The additional berry flavors will enhance the casserole's fruitiness and provide a refreshing morning drink.
• Elevate with Creamy Sides: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These creamy additions will balance the casserole's texture and add an extra layer of indulgent sweetness.
• Sprinkle Nutty Crunch Topping: Garnish with extra toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans. These crunchy nuts will provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft, custardy casserole and add a subtle nutty flavor.

Flavor Options For Berry French Toast Casserole

• Tropical Paradise Remix: Swap mixed berries with diced mangoes, pineapples, and coconut flakes for a sunny island-inspired breakfast sensation.
• Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Replace some bread cubes with chocolate chunks and add cocoa powder to the custard for an indulgent morning treat.
• Nutty Autumn Harvest: Incorporate diced apples, pumpkin puree, and a generous sprinkle of pecans to create a cozy fall-themed breakfast casserole.
• Citrus Zinger: Mix in orange zest, lemon extract, and use blueberries for a bright, tangy version that wakes up your taste buds.

Berry French Toast Casserole Questions Answered

• Why should I refrigerate the casserole for several hours before baking?

Refrigerating allows the bread to soak up the delicious custard mixture completely, creating a rich, custardy texture that’s creamy and soft throughout the entire dish.

• Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Frozen berries work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them directly to the casserole while still frozen, and they’ll blend wonderfully with the other ingredients.

• Is this recipe good for making ahead of time?

Yes! This casserole is ideal for preparing in advance. You can assemble it the night before and keep it in the refrigerator, making breakfast preparation super easy and stress-free.

• What type of bread works best for this French toast casserole?

Day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or French bread works best. These breads absorb the custard perfectly and create a rich, tender texture in the final dish.

Why Berry French Toast Casserole Is Always A Hit

• Burst with Berry Bliss: Dive into a symphony of sweet, tangy mixed berries that explode with fresh flavor in every single bite, creating a delightful morning sensation.
• Effortless Entertaining Magic: Prepare this casserole the night before, making breakfast a breeze for busy mornings or weekend gatherings with minimal morning preparation time.
• Texture Treasure Trove: Experience a luxurious combination of crispy golden edges, creamy custard-soaked bread, and crunchy almond topping that creates an irresistible mouthfeel with each forkful.
• Family Breakfast Champion: This crowd-pleasing dish serves multiple people, appeals to both kids and adults, and transforms an ordinary morning into a special breakfast celebration that everyone will love.

What Goes In Berry French Toast Casserole

Main Ingredients:

Bread Group: – Bread Cubes: Soft, slightly stale bread provides the perfect base for soaking up the rich custard, creating a delightful texture.

Berry Group: – Mixed Berries: Fresh berries add bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the casserole.

Custard Ingredients:

Dairy Group: – Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Create a rich, silky custard base that gives the casserole its luxurious, creamy texture.

Sweetener Group: – Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide depth of sweetness and help caramelize the top of the casserole.

Flavor Enhancers: – Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Salt: Add warmth, depth, and balance to the overall flavor profile.

Topping Ingredients:

Crumble Group: – Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Butter: Combine to create a crunchy, sweet streusel-like topping.

Nut Group: – Sliced Almonds or Pecans: Optional ingredient that adds extra crunch and nutty flavor to the casserole.

Garnish Group: – Powdered Sugar, Maple Syrup, Fresh Berries: Final touches that enhance presentation and add extra sweetness and freshness.

Steps To Make Berry French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter. Carefully layer half of the bread cubes across the bottom, creating an even base. Sprinkle a generous handful of mixed berries over the bread cubes. Add another layer of remaining bread cubes, followed by the rest of the berries, creating a delightful berry-bread sandwich.

Step 2: Create Creamy Custard

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, silky mixture that will make your French toast casserole irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Soak and Chill

Gently pour the custard over the layered bread and berries. Use a spatula to press down softly, helping the bread absorb all that delicious liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and the bread to soak up all the wonderful custard.

Step 4: Prepare Crunchy Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Cold butter

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the ingredients form a crumbly texture. Fold in sliced almonds or chopped pecans for an extra crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly across the surface. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the custard sets perfectly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and scatter fresh berries on top. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite!

Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful Berry French Toast Casserole brings sweet morning magic to breakfast tables. Creamy layers of bread, berries, and custard create a luxurious morning treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Fruit:

• 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups / 945 milliliters)
• 1 ½ cups (355 milliliters) mixed fresh berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

Custard Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups (475 milliliters) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (55 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (55 grams) brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup (50 grams) sliced almonds or pecans (optional)
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Additional fresh berries

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Instructions

1. Arrange the base layer by coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of grease. Distribute half of the bread chunks across the bottom, creating an even foundation. Generously scatter a portion of mixed berries over the bread layer, ensuring uniform coverage.

1. Construct the custard blend by whisking eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Integrate ingredients thoroughly until a smooth, consistent liquid forms.

1. Carefully cascade the custard mixture over the bread and berry arrangement, gently pressing downward to encourage complete liquid absorption. Seal the dish with plastic wrap and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of three hours, though overnight integration yields optimal flavor development.

1. Prepare the crumbly topping by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until a textured, granular consistency emerges. Fold in sliced almonds or pecans to enhance the topping’s complexity.

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Extract the casserole from refrigeration and evenly distribute the prepared topping across the surface. Position the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 45 minutes, monitoring until the top achieves a golden-brown hue and the custard sets completely.

1. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for 8-10 minutes after removing from the oven. Embellish with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, drizzle of maple syrup, and a scattering of fresh berries to elevate the presentation and flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize the bread by using day-old brioche, challah, or French bread for extra richness and better absorption of the custard.
• Swap mixed berries with seasonal fruits like peaches, blueberries, or sliced apples to match your preference or what’s available.
• Reduce sugar content by using half the recommended amount or substituting with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and replacing regular flour with almond or coconut flour in the topping.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg