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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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