If you’re on the lookout for a comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you will adore this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of custardy bread baked to perfection with bursts of fresh, vibrant berries throughout, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd, and boasting beautiful colors that make your morning table look as good as it tastes, this dish is a true weekend brunch hero or a luxurious holiday treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Each component serves its purpose perfectly, whether it’s the rich creaminess of the custard or the sweet tang from the berries, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor profile.
- 1 loaf day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread): Using day-old bread helps it soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries): Choose fresh or frozen berries to add sweetness and vibrant color.
- 6 large eggs: Eggs are essential for creating that rich, thick custard base that coats the bread cubes.
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Milk lightens the custard while maintaining creaminess.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgent richness and helps create a perfectly silky texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the berries.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of spice, perfectly pairing with the berries.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For the crumb topping, providing a crispy, sweet contrast.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create the tender, crumbly texture in the topping.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Gives richness and helps bind the crumb topping to a golden crisp.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Sprinkled in the crumb topping to echo the casserole’s warm spices.
- Powdered sugar: Optional, for dusting before serving to add a pretty finishing touch.
- Maple syrup: A classic accompaniment to drizzle on top for ultimate indulgence.
How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Berries
Start by cubing your day-old bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Then mix your mixed berries gently, being careful not to crush them. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in a greased baking dish and scatter half the berries on top, then repeat with the remaining bread and berries. This layering ensures every bite has delicious fruit and perfectly soaked bread.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. This custard will soak into the bread and make the casserole luxuriously tender and flavorful. Pour the mixture evenly over the layered bread and berries, pressing gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
Step 3: Let It Soak
Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. This soaking period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in moist and creamy French toast casserole that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping
Combine the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly, buttery topping will bake into a beautifully golden and crispy layer on top, adding fantastic texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over it, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
How to Serve Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple but stunning presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar right before serving and add a handful of fresh berries on top. A sprig of fresh mint can add a pop of green and a refreshing aroma that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette also brightens the meal and balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this to guests, consider layering individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for charming personal servings. You can also drizzle warm maple syrup or a berry compote over the top for added flair and layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Your Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping breakfast or brunch.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked casserole after assembling it but before adding the crumb topping. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then add the topping and bake as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture can become soggy.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to choose a sturdy gluten-free bread that holds up well when soaked, such as a gluten-free brioche or sandwich bread, to maintain the perfect texture.
Can I substitute the berries with other fruits?
Yes, you can customize with any fruit you love. Sliced peaches, apples, or pears work beautifully, especially when paired with complementary spices like nutmeg or ginger.
Is it necessary to use day-old bread?
Day-old bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard better without turning mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast it first to achieve a similar effect.
How far ahead can I assemble this casserole?
You can assemble and soak the casserole overnight or up to 24 hours in advance in the refrigerator, which makes morning preparations much easier.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the milk and cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for the crumb topping.
Final Thoughts
Making this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe feels like treating yourself and your loved ones to something truly special without a ton of fuss. Its blend of sweet custard, fresh berries, and crumbly topping creates a wonderful balance that’s sure to become a new favorite brunch staple. Give it a try, and I promise your mornings will never be the same!
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Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish featuring cubed day-old bread soaked in a rich custard, layered with mixed berries, and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel and served with powdered sugar and maple syrup, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread), cubed
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the bread and berries: Cube the day-old bread into bite-size pieces and set aside. Wash and pat dry the mixed berries, reserving them for layering.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cubed bread evenly. Spread half of the mixed berries over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and berries. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and berries, pressing down slightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard fully for a moist and flavorful casserole.
- Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the custard-soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead for easy morning preparation.
- Using day-old bread is essential to prevent sogginess and ensure proper absorption of the custard.
- Feel free to customize the berry mix based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
