Baked French Toast Casserole With Berries

Name: Baked French Toast Casserole With Berries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 slices of brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes; 3 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); Powdered sugar, for dusting; Maple syrup, for drizzling

Highlighted under: Sweet Oven Magic

I absolutely love starting my day with a touch of sweetness, and this Baked French Toast Casserole with Berries has become my go-to breakfast dish. The combination of fluffy bread, creamy custard, and fresh berries creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy family brunch, and practically effortless to prepare. I often make it the night before, so all I have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven and enjoy the delicious aroma filling my kitchen!

Created by

Lila Morgan

Last updated on 2026-02-16T04:57:36.386Z

Every time I make this casserole, I am reminded of family gatherings where we would relish our breakfasts together. The beauty of this dish is that it allows you to enjoy the flavors of traditional French toast, but with added convenience. By soaking the bread overnight, it absorbs all the delicious custard and makes each bite downright heavenly.

I’ve experimented with various berries, and my favorite combination includes blueberries and strawberries for their vibrant colors and natural sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving elevates the entire experience!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Harmonious blend of sweet berries and creamy custard
Make-ahead convenience for busy mornings
Perfect dish for family gatherings or brunch parties

Choosing the Right Bread

The choice of bread significantly impacts the texture of your Baked French Toast Casserole. Brioche and challah are perfect because of their rich, eggy structure and ability to absorb custard without falling apart. If you're looking for a slightly healthier option, consider using whole grain bread, which adds a nutty flavor and a bit of extra fiber. Just ensure it’s stale or lightly toasted to absorb the liquid effectively without becoming mushy.

For the best results, aim for bread that is at least one day old, as it’s drier and will soak up more custard. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C) for about 15-20 minutes before assembling your casserole.

Making the Custard Mixture

The custard mixture is where the magic happens. Mixing the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon should be done thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated. Whisk until you achieve a uniform consistency without any clumps, which is crucial for a silky final texture. Be cautious with the cinnamon; a touch more can overpower the delicate sweetness of the berries, so stick to the recommended amount unless you’re a cinnamon enthusiast.

After folding in the bread and berries, let the mixture rest for a minute. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully before baking. If you want to experiment, feel free to add a splash of orange zest or almond extract for a twist in flavor, but be mindful that these fragrant additions can alter the overall profile of the dish.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

6 slices of brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

For Serving

Powdered sugar, for dusting
Maple syrup, for drizzling

Gather all these ingredients to elevate your breakfast experience!

Instructions

Prepare the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. Fold in the cubed bread and berries, making sure the bread is evenly coated with the custard mixture. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.

Chill Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard fully.

Bake the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake for 30-45 minutes until set and golden brown on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve and Enjoy

Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve warm, and enjoy your delightful breakfast!

Make sure to serve this dish warm for the best flavor!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, consider topping the casserole with a mixture of crushed nuts before baking.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover casserole, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps regain some of the original crispness, especially if you put it back in a baking dish instead of microwaving.

Freezing is also an option if you want to prepare it well in advance. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake from frozen, simply remove the wrapping, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s heated throughout.

Serving Suggestions

This Baked French Toast Casserole pairs wonderfully with various toppings. While powdered sugar and maple syrup are classic choices, consider adding fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of berry compote can also enhance the experience, making it feel even more like a celebratory dish.

For a fun twist, try adding a layer of flavored cream cheese or a caramel swirl in the casserole before baking. Just be sure to adjust your custard mixture accordingly, as a richer filling may require cutting back slightly on the heavy cream to maintain the correct balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, frozen berries work great! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the casserole.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute with gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

→ Can I freeze the baked casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.