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

Scale

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

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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