Name: Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487547H12M25S
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-14 cups French bread; 8 large eggs; 2 cups 2% milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 1 cup strawberries sliced; 1/2 cup blueberries; 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar; Maple syrup, as desired

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a showstopping breakfast or brunch that’s as effortless as it is delicious, look no further than this Berry French Toast Casserole! Imagine thick, pillowy cubes of French bread, soaked in a sweet custard, studded with juicy berries, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a recipe that strikes the perfect balance between luxurious and simple, ideal for lazy weekend mornings, special occasions, or anytime you want to treat your loved ones to something a little extra. Let’s dive into why this casserole totally steals the spotlight!

Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Berry French Toast Casserole brings something special to the table. Simple pantry staples join forces with fresh, vibrant berries to create pure breakfast magic. Don’t skip or swap — each player adds a unique texture, color, or pop of flavor!

French bread: Opt for a slightly stale loaf, as it soaks up the custard without turning soggy, giving structure and heartiness to every bite.
Eggs: Eight large eggs make a rich, velvety custard that binds everything together.
2% milk: The perfect balance of creaminess without being too heavy, ensuring the casserole remains light.
Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla rounds out the flavors with a gorgeous, aromatic sweetness.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice, which pairs beautifully with the berries.
Brown sugar: This sweetener brings subtle caramel notes, giving the casserole depth and an irresistible golden crust.
Strawberries: Fresh sliced strawberries lend brightness, tang, and a pop of color.
Blueberries: Their juicy bursts elevate the flavor profile, making every forkful exciting.
Powdered sugar: A touch of powdered sugar sprinkled on top finishes things off with elegance and sweetness.
Maple syrup: The classic drizzle! Don’t hold back — it’s the crowning glory.
Vegetable oil or butter (for greasing): Prepping the pan properly means easy serving and minimal cleanup — a vital hidden hero.

How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Casserole Dish

Start by generously greasing a 9”x13” casserole dish with either vegetable oil or butter. This step is key to prevent sticking and gives those golden, caramelized edges everyone loves. A well-prepped dish also makes serving neat slices much easier once it’s baked.

Step 2: Cube the French Bread

Slice your French bread into hearty, bite-sized cubes. Toss the cubes evenly into the casserole dish until you fill it about three-quarters full. Using slightly stale bread isn’t just a great way to avoid food waste — it holds up better to the milky custard, delivering that tender-yet-toothsome texture we crave in Berry French Toast Casserole.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2% milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until everything is smooth and well incorporated. This mixture is the heart of your casserole, infusing all those bread cubes with rich, mellow sweetness and a touch of gentle spice.

Step 4: Combine and Add Berries

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish, making sure every piece gets a good soak. Gently press down with a spatula if needed, so all the bread is moistened. Then, scatter your sliced strawberries and blueberries across the top, letting their vibrant colors peek through.

Step 5: Chill

Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours, or overnight if you can. This lets the bread soak up all that luscious custard, so you get a perfectly unified, sliceable casserole in the morning.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Once ready, bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 50 minutes. Start checking around 35 minutes; the top should be golden brown and set, yet wonderfully soft inside. If it still looks a bit wet, just let it go a little longer, checking every 5–10 minutes.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Let your Berry French Toast Casserole rest for a few minutes when it comes out of the oven. Dust liberally with powdered sugar for a charming finish, then slice, serve, and drizzle generously with warm maple syrup. Pure breakfast bliss!

How to Serve Berry French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

This casserole loves a sprinkle of powdered sugar, but you can also add extra slices of fresh berries and, for a little crunch, a handful of toasted nuts or granola. A sprig of mint brightens the plate and adds color — perfect for brunch guests!

Side Dishes

Balance the richness with something light and fresh, like a simple fruit salad, tangy Greek yogurt, or crisp breakfast sausages on the side. For a celebratory spread, coffee and a pitcher of juice pull it all together beautifully with your Berry French Toast Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the custard in individual ramekins for personal servings, which are extra fun for showers or family brunches. Or, use small cookie cutters to cut fun shapes from the baked casserole for a kid-friendly twist. Top each piece with a personalized swirl of whipped cream or a dollop of berry compote to make every plate Instagram-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight — some say it’s even better the next day!

Freezing

Berry French Toast Casserole is surprisingly freezer-friendly. After baking and cooling, wrap portions (or the whole dish) tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ve got breakfast sorted on busy mornings.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave until warmed through, or pop larger portions back in a 350 degree F oven, covered, for about 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry, and always finish with fresh berries and syrup for that just-baked flair!

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for this casserole?

Absolutely! While French bread gives the perfect texture, you can also use challah, brioche, or even leftover sandwich bread. Just make sure the bread is slightly dry so it stands up well after soaking.

Is it possible to make Berry French Toast Casserole dairy-free?

Yes, swap the 2% milk for your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) and choose a dairy-free margarine for greasing. The casserole still comes out creamy and delicious — perfect if you’re catering to dietary needs.

Can I assemble Berry French Toast Casserole in advance?

You bet! This dish was made for planning ahead. Assemble everything the night before, let it soak in the fridge, and just pop it in the oven in the morning for zero-stress hosting.

Can I add other fruits or mix-ins?

Go for it! Raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced bananas are fantastic additions. For extra crunch, try sprinkling in some toasted almonds or pecans before baking.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The top should be golden and the center set but moist. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean with just a little custard clinging. If it’s still quite wet, keep baking and check every 5 minutes — ovens can vary!

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about gathering around the table to dig into a warm, berry-studded French toast bake. This Berry French Toast Casserole takes all the fuss out of fancy brunches without sacrificing any of the wow factor. Whether for a quiet weekend at home or your next big celebration, give this recipe a whirl — you might just find it becomes everyone’s new favorite morning treat!

Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With sweet berries, a hint of cinnamon, and a touch of powdered sugar, this make-ahead dish is perfect for a cozy weekend brunch.

Instructions

Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish. Cube the French bread and fill the casserole.
Mix the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Pour over the bread.
Add Berries: Slice strawberries and place them along with blueberries on top of the casserole.
Chill Overnight: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake the casserole for 35-50 minutes until set.
Finish: Dust with powdered sugar before serving with maple syrup.