Bright, sweet, and impossibly cozy, the Berry French Toast Casserole is the brunch hero you never knew you needed. Imagine thick cubes of soft bread drenched in a creamy vanilla custard, studded with juicy berries, and finished with a golden, sugary crust—this is comfort food with a summery twist. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday brunch or just want to treat yourself on a lazy weekend, this make-ahead wonder guarantees minimal effort and maximum delight for every guest at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how a handful of familiar ingredients come together to make something truly spectacular! Each one plays a starring role—bringing structure, flavor, luscious texture, or that signature pop of berry color to your casserole.
- Bread: French bread or brioche, preferably a little stale, soaks up the custard without turning soggy, giving the casserole an ideal bite.
- Mixed Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries add juicy brightness and color—use fresh or frozen depending on the season.
- Eggs: The backbone of the creamy custard, eggs bind everything together and make the texture magically silky.
- Whole Milk: Adds a layer of mild creaminess and ensures the casserole is moist but not heavy.
- Heavy Cream: For ultra-richness and a dreamy mouthfeel, don’t skip the cream!
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness throughout the custard mixture.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with berries and bread.
- Vanilla Extract: Fills the air (and casserole!) with comforting warmth and aroma.
- Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon brings a cozy, spiced lift to each bite.
- Salt: A simple pinch sharpens every other flavor—don’t skip it.
- Powdered Sugar & Maple Syrup (for serving): These finishing touches transform your casserole into a showstopper.
How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Layer Bread & Berries
Start by generously greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish—nothing fancy, just a swipe of butter or nonstick spray will do. Arrange half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom, then scatter half the berries over top. Layer on the remaining bread and dot with the rest of your berries, ensuring a berry in every bite!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until blended, then add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until it’s all beautifully combined; this is the rich custard that makes the casserole so irresistible.
Step 3: Pour Custard Over the Layers
Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries. Don’t worry if it looks a little liquidy at this point—the bread will drink it up. Gently press down on the bread with clean hands or a spatula to help every cube soak up that custard goodness.
Step 4: Chill and Let It Soak
Cover the whole dish with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This soak time ensures the Berry French Toast Casserole bakes up tender and full of flavor throughout.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the dish and let it come to room temperature while the oven heats. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is deliciously golden and the center feels set. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and drizzle maple syrup for that classic bakery look—and taste! The only thing left is to dig in and give yourself a pat on the back.
How to Serve Berry French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
A generous shower of powdered sugar never goes out of style—it’s the quickest way to give your Berry French Toast Casserole a bakery-worthy finish. For extra flair, scatter a few fresh berries on top and add a drizzle of pure maple syrup. If you’re feeling decadent, a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt pairs perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole easily shines as the star of any breakfast or brunch, but you can round out the table with savory bacon or sausage, scrambled eggs, or a crisp green salad. Citrus wedges or orange juice bring a refreshing balance alongside all that berry sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, serve Berry French Toast Casserole in individual ramekins for a special touch. Or, stack squares on a platter with alternating layers of berries for a vibrant centerpiece. If you’re packing it for a picnic or potluck, slice it into portable bars and wrap them up—easy, colorful, and always crowd-pleasing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), cover the casserole tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for easy breakfasts all week.
Freezing
You can easily freeze Berry French Toast Casserole for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire dish well with plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label it, so the treat doesn’t get lost among the peas and popsicles.
Reheating
To rewarm, heat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion, cover it with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until hot (about 15-20 minutes). This will help restore that toasty top!
FAQs
Can I make Berry French Toast Casserole the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, letting everything soak overnight in the fridge is the best way to let flavors meld and the bread absorb every drop of custard. Simply cover and chill, then bake in the morning for a no-stress brunch.
What type Breakfast
French bread and brioche are both fantastic choices, but any sturdy, slightly stale bread will work. Avoid super soft sandwich bread, as it can turn too mushy after soaking.
Can I use all fresh or all frozen berries?
Definitely! Fresh berries give bursts of juicy flavor and gorgeous color, while frozen berries are convenient and just as delicious. No need to thaw frozen berries—just scatter them straight in.
Can I add extras like nuts or cream cheese?
Go for it! Cream cheese cubes tucked between the layers add a luscious surprise. Chopped pecans or almonds give a nice crunch and a little nutty richness, too.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap in your favorite plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and use dairy-free bread. The result will still be delicious, with a slightly lighter custard texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about a dish that’s equal parts comforting and celebratory, and the Berry French Toast Casserole fits the bill every time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or treating your family to something special, this colorful bake is bound to become a new favorite. Give it a try—you might just find yourself looking for excuses to brunch a little more often!
Print
Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of mixed berries and rich custard with this easy-to-make Berry French Toast Casserole. Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast treat!
Ingredients
Bread and Berries:
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche (cut into 1-inch cubes, about 10 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
Custard Mixture:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving.
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cubed bread and berries in the dish.
- Mix the Custard: Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over bread and berries.
- Chill and Bake: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.
Notes
- Stale bread works best for texture.
- Add cream cheese cubes for extra richness.
- Casserole can be prepared in advance and baked the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
