Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast or brunch dish combining the warm, custardy texture of baked French toast with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for gatherings or a special morning treat. The casserole is assembled the night before for easy, stress-free cooking and baked to golden perfection in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes (including soaking time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 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
Finishing Touches
- 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Maple syrup, as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter to prevent sticking. Cut the French bread into cubes and fill the dish about three-quarters full with the bread cubes.
- Mix the Custard: 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 and add flavor.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. This will help the bread absorb the custard for a rich texture.
- Add Fruit Toppings: Slice the strawberries and arrange them along with the blueberries evenly on top of the soaked bread mixture.
- Refrigerate to Soak: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard flavors.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 35 to 50 minutes. Check at 35 minutes by inserting a knife to see if it comes out clean; if not, continue baking until set and golden on top.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the casserole with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and serve warm with maple syrup on the side for drizzling. Enjoy this comforting and fruity French toast casserole!
Notes
- Use slightly stale French bread for best absorption and texture.
- Refrigerating overnight enhances the custard soaking, resulting in a more flavorful casserole.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven’s temperature accuracy and casserole depth.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or fruit compote if desired.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
Keywords: Berry French Toast Casserole, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, strawberry blueberry French toast, cinnamon French toast, brunch recipe
Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/berry-french-toast-casserole-recipe/
