If you’re looking for a show-stopping breakfast that’s as comforting as it is delicious, you’re going to want to try this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — it’s that perfect mix of custardy bread, sweet cinnamon, and fresh berries that just makes your morning feel special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving an indulgent weekend brunch, this recipe delivers buttery, fruity goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: It’s perfect for prepping the night before, so your morning is stress-free.
- Fresh & Fruity Flavors: The mix of strawberries and blueberries adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: My family goes crazy for this, especially when drizzled with maple syrup.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy pantry staples come together to create something that feels fancy but is foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe work beautifully together — the hearty French bread soaks up the custard just right, and the cinnamon-brown sugar combo gives it that classic French toast warmth. When shopping, I find that looking for day-old or slightly stale French bread actually makes for the best texture.
- French bread: Choose a sturdy loaf that can absorb the custard without falling apart.
- Eggs: Large eggs give the custard its creamy, rich base.
- 2% milk: I like 2% for a balance of creaminess without being too heavy.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that elevates the whole dish.
- Cinnamon: This warms up the flavor and pairs perfectly with the berries.
- Brown sugar: Gives a lovely hint of molasses and helps caramelize the topping.
- Strawberries: Slice fresh for juicy bursts amid the bread.
- Blueberries: These mini flavor bombs add gorgeous color and a slight tartness.
- Powdered sugar: For that pretty finishing touch and a little extra sweetness.
- Maple syrup: Because no French toast casserole is complete without it!
Variations
I love to switch things up with this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe depending on the season or mood — it’s surprisingly versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own.
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch; one time I tossed chopped pecans on top, and it was a game-changer!
- Dairy-free: Substitute the milk with your favorite plant milk like almond or oat milk to keep it creamy without dairy.
- Mixed berries: Swap in raspberries or blackberries if you want a different berry profile — fresh or frozen works.
- Extra gooey: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips before baking for a cinnamon-chocolate twist my kids adore.
How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Casserole and Bread
Start by greasing a 9″x13″ casserole dish with butter or vegetable oil. Then, cut your French bread into cubes—about 12 to 14 cups worth—and layer them into the dish until it’s about three-quarters full. I like to use slightly stale bread because it soaks up the custard better without turning into mush.
Step 2: Whisk Together Your Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk 8 large eggs, 2 cups of 2% milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2/3 cup brown sugar until everything is fully combined. This mixture is what makes the French toast custardy and flavorful, so take a minute to get it nice and smooth.
Step 3: Pour, Top, and Refrigerate
Pour your egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing the bread down so it can soak in all that custard goodness. Then, slice 1 cup strawberries and sprinkle those and 1/2 cup blueberries over the top. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least four hours—or better yet, overnight. I discovered this trick to really deepen the flavors and get perfect texture.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Puffed
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 35 to 50 minutes. Start checking at 35 minutes—the top should be golden brown and the custard set but still slightly jiggly. If it needs more time, just keep an eye on it in 5-minute increments.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar for an inviting touch. Serve slices with plenty of maple syrup—trust me, that maple syrup is non-negotiable here!—and enjoy warm. This is the kind of breakfast that’ll get everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Pro Tips for Making Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale French bread soaks up custard without turning mushy—fresh bread is too soft.
- Don’t Skip the Resting: Refrigerating for several hours or overnight makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
- Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert it in the center; it should come out mostly clean, not wet with liquid.
- Handle Berries Gently: Adding them on top before baking keeps them intact and prevents bleeding into the custard.
How to Serve Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love dusting this casserole with powdered sugar right before serving because it adds a lovely snowy finish. Fresh berries on top feel extra festive and bring a juicy freshness that balances the sweetness. And of course, a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup is a must for that classic French toast experience.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or sausage links if you want a savory contrast. On lighter days, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette is surprisingly refreshing alongside the rich dish. Fresh fruit salad also works well if you want to keep things bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bake this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins — it feels just a little more fancy and perfect for serving guests. Another fun trick is to layer the berries between the bread cubes for a marbled effect when you cut into it. It always gets oohs and aahs at brunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover Berry French Toast Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It reheats really well, which is great for quick breakfasts during the week.
Freezing
If I want to freeze leftovers, I cut the casserole into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze in a zip-top bag. This way, I can reheat just one portion without thawing the whole thing. Just make sure it’s fully cool before freezing to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 90 seconds or into a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top again. This helps bring back that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While French bread is ideal because of its sturdy texture, you can also use brioche, challah, or even thick-cut sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s a bit stale so it can soak up the custard without falling apart.
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How far in advance can I prepare the casserole?
You can prepare the Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe up to 24 hours ahead. The overnight soak in the fridge helps the bread absorb all the flavors perfectly, so it’s great for stress-free mornings.
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Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, swap the eggs for a chickpea flour or tofu custard, and replace the milk with your choice of plant-based milk. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey, and check your bread is egg-free. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
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Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, frozen berries can work in a pinch, but I recommend thawing and draining excess liquid first to avoid making the casserole too soggy. Fresh berries really give the best texture and flavor when baked on top.
Final Thoughts
This Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to brunch dishes because it’s just so easy to prepare but feels like a special occasion. I love making it the night before and waking up to the amazing aroma that fills the kitchen. If you’re craving a breakfast that’ll impress your family, friends, or just yourself, I’m telling you — this is the one to try. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the berries or mix-ins; once you nail the base, it’s all about making it your own cozy, delicious tradition.
Print
Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (including 4 hours resting time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring custardy French bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. Perfect for a crowd, it combines the comforting flavors of classic French toast with the convenience of a casserole.
Ingredients
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
Toppings
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
For Serving
- 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Maple syrup, as much as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Add French Bread: Cube the French bread into roughly 1-inch pieces and fill the casserole dish up to about three-quarters full for a good bread-to-custard ratio.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2% milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined and smooth. This mixture will soak into the bread cubes, creating a rich custard base.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish, making sure all the bread is well coated and beginning to absorb the liquid.
- Add Berries: Slice the strawberries and then evenly distribute the sliced strawberries and whole blueberries over the top of the soaked bread mixture to add fresh fruity flavor and color.
- Refrigerate: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard for a creamy center.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even cook throughout the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Remove plastic wrap and place the casserole in the oven. Bake for 35 to 50 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes—the casserole should be golden brown, puffed, and set in the center.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar and serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup to taste.
Notes
- For best texture, use slightly stale French bread which absorbs the custard better than fresh bread.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and vanilla extract according to your taste preference.
- Feel free to substitute or add other berries like raspberries or blackberries for variety.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate to save time in the morning.
- If needed, cover the edges with foil during baking to prevent over-browning.
- Serving with maple syrup adds sweetness, but you can also serve with whipped cream or yogurt for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of casserole)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
