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
Scale
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