Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a breakfast dish that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy, this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe is absolutely worth trying. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a weekend morning, perfect for gathering family or friends around the table without spending all morning in the kitchen. I love how it combines fresh berries with that rich, custardy bread—truly a crowd-pleaser and a great make-ahead option.
What makes this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe so special is how effortlessly it comes together yet tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just wanting a simple, delicious breakfast treat, this casserole fits the bill. Plus, prepping it the night before means waking up to the smell of baked bread and sweet berries without the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients strike a perfect balance—creamy eggs and milk for custard, cinnamon and brown sugar for warmth and sweetness, and fresh berries for a bright, juicy pop. When shopping, pick a hearty French bread and the freshest berries you can find for the best results.
- French bread: I like using day-old bread because it soaks up the custard perfectly without getting mushy.
- Eggs: The base for that rich custard that makes the casserole creamy.
- 2% milk: Adds creaminess without being too heavy.
- Vanilla extract: For a subtle, sweet aroma that elevates every bite.
- Cinnamon: This adds a warm spice note, but feel free to adjust depending on your favorite amount.
- Brown sugar: I love how it deepens the sweetness with a bit of molasses flavor.
- Strawberries (sliced): Fresh and juicy, they bring natural sweetness and a lovely color contrast.
- Blueberries: These burst with flavor in every bite and complement the strawberries perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: For a pretty, delicate dusting on top after baking.
- Maple syrup: Your choice to drizzle on when serving—it’s practically the cherry on top.
Variations
One of the best parts of this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your tastes or what’s in season. I like mixing things up with different berries or adding a nutty crunch sometimes. You can make it your own!
- Use mixed berries: I’ve tried raspberries or blackberries in place of blueberries, and it’s equally delicious with a bit more tang.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap the French bread for gluten-free bread and it works beautifully without losing any flavor.
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or almonds on top add a lovely crunch that my family raves about.
- Make it dairy-free: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk, and coconut oil in place of butter for greasing.
How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread in Your Casserole Dish
Start by greasing your 9″x13″ casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter—that’ll help keep everything from sticking. Cut your French bread into cubes; I like roughly 1 to 1.5 inch chunks so they soak up the custard but still hold some shape. Fill the casserole dish about three-quarters full with the bread cubes, pressing them down gently so they fit nicely.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until everything is combined and smooth. Don’t rush this part—the more evenly you mix, the better your custard weave throughout the bread will be.
Step 3: Pour Custard and Add Berries
Pour your custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish. Then, layer the sliced strawberries and blueberries right on top. This not only adds flavor but makes the dish look so enticing coming out of the oven.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Let it Soak
Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in your fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better if you have the time. This soak makes sure every bite is beautifully tender and custardy.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for at least 35 minutes. Around that 35-minute mark, check if it’s set by gently shaking it—the custard should feel firm but still moist. If it needs more time, bake for another 10-15 minutes, watching so it doesn’t dry out.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Serve immediately with as much maple syrup as you like—trust me, the syrup’s rich sweetness pairs perfectly with the berries and cinnamon.
How to Serve Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love topping mine with an extra handful of fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Sometimes, I add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla yogurt for an extra creamy touch that balances the sweet and tart flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
When I’m serving this casserole for brunch, I like to keep it simple with crispy bacon or breakfast sausages on the side. A fresh green salad or some light fruit salad can also round out the meal beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered this casserole in individual ramekins to serve beautiful, personal portions. Another favorite is topping with edible flowers or drizzling a berry coulis for a stunning, restaurant-worthy presentation that always wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover casserole I have gets stored in an airtight container in the fridge and usually lasts well for 3 to 4 days. I recommend giving it a quick reheat rather than microwaving for too long, so the texture stays nice and tender.
Freezing
I’ve frozen portions of this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe before with great success. Just cool completely, freeze in airtight containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating. It’s a fantastic way to prep breakfasts ahead of busy weeks.
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer the oven over the microwave—set at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. This helps preserve that fresh-baked texture and flavor better than zap-heating.
FAQs
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Can I use other breads for the Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread is traditional for this casserole because of its sturdy texture and absorbency, you can use challah, brioche, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale or day-old for the best custard soak without it turning mushy.
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How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?
You can refrigerate the assembled casserole anywhere from 4 hours to overnight. I find that letting it soak overnight really enhances the custard flavor and texture, making it worth the wait.
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Can I make this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe vegan?
Yes, you can! Substitute the eggs for a flax or chia egg mixture, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and choose dairy-free margarine or oils for greasing. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
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Is it okay to use frozen berries instead of fresh?
You can, but I recommend thawing and draining the frozen berries before adding them. This prevents extra moisture from making the casserole soggy and keeps the texture just right.
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How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole should be set and no longer jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with maybe a few moist crumbs. The top should be lightly golden but not burnt.
Final Thoughts
This Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe feels like a special treat but is surprisingly easy, making it a go-to for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want breakfast to feel a little more magical. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—there’s nothing like that moment when the whole kitchen smells like warm cinnamon and berries and you get to sit down with people you love and savor every bite. Give it a try—you might just have a new favorite breakfast.
Print
Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delicious and easy make-ahead breakfast dish featuring cubed French bread soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for family gatherings or leisurely weekend mornings, served with a dusting of powdered sugar and generous maple syrup.
Ingredients
Bread
- 12–14 cups French bread, cut into cubes
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
Fruit Topping
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
To Finish
- 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Maple syrup, as much as desired
- Vegetable oil or butter, for greasing the casserole dish
Instructions
- Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter to prevent sticking. Cut the French bread into cubes, then fill the casserole dish about three-quarters full with the bread cubes to create the base layer.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2% milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until fully combined and smooth. This mixture will soak the bread, adding flavor and moisture.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Then, evenly distribute the sliced strawberries and blueberries on top of the soaked bread.
- Refrigerate to soak: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap (saran wrap) and refrigerate for at least four hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully and flavors to meld.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole and bake for 35 to 50 minutes. Begin checking around 35 minutes; the casserole should be set in the center and golden brown on top when done.
- Add final touches: Once baked, sprinkle the casserole with powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness and visual appeal.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the casserole and serve warm with generous amounts of maple syrup for a classic French toast experience.
Notes
- Using day-old French bread is ideal as it absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
- Feel free to substitute or add other berries like raspberries or blackberries based on preference.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and egg substitutes, though the texture will vary slightly.
- Covering and refrigerating overnight enhances the flavor and results in a more custardy interior.
- If you prefer crispy edges, bake uncovered; for softer edges, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
Keywords: Berry French Toast Casserole, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, strawberry blueberry French toast, make-ahead breakfast, cinnamon French toast
