Print

Berry French Toast Casserole

Berry French Toast Casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy, make-ahead Berry French Toast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing brunch favorite featuring tender brioche, a creamy vanilla custard, and bursts of juicy berries. Perfect for lazy weekends, holidays, or any time you want a comforting, stress-free breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 14 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old preferred)
  • 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen; blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar/maple syrup)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 3 tablespoons turbinado or raw sugar
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
  • Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or Greek yogurt for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cube the brioche or challah into 1-inch pieces. If bread is fresh, let it dry out for 30 minutes.
  2. Lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Arrange half the bread cubes in the dish. Sprinkle half the berries over the bread. Top with remaining bread and berries.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  5. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries. Gently press bread down to soak up the liquid.
  6. Cover tightly with foil or lid and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours, up to 18 hours).
  7. In the morning, remove casserole from fridge while oven preheats to 350°F.
  8. Remove foil. Drizzle melted butter over the top, sprinkle with turbinado sugar and nuts if using.
  9. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and custard is set. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  10. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or serve with Greek yogurt.

Notes

Day-old bread works best for absorbing the custard. Overnight soaking ensures a tender texture. Mix fresh and frozen berries for best flavor and texture. Turbinado sugar adds a crunchy topping. For gluten-free or dairy-free, use appropriate bread and milk/cream substitutes. Leftovers keep well and can be reheated or frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: berry french toast casserole, brunch, make-ahead breakfast, easy casserole, berries, french toast, overnight casserole, holiday breakfast

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/berry-french-toast-casserole-recipe-easy-make-ahead-brunch-favorite/