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If you have ever dreamed of waking up to a breakfast that feels both indulgent and comforting, the Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole Recipe is calling your name. This dish combines tender layers of bread soaked in a luscious custard, a dreamy cream cheese filling, and a vibrant burst of fresh berries that create the perfect harmony of flavors. The creamy sweetness paired with juicy raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries makes every bite simply unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for a special weekend brunch or a cozy holiday morning, this casserole will quickly become your go-to showstopper that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the secret behind this beautiful Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the softness of the bread to the fresh berries for color and tang, and the creamy custard that soaks everything perfectly. Here’s what you need:
- Bread (16-ounce loaf, sliced into 16 slices): The foundation providing soft, soakable texture that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Eggs (7 large): Essential for both the custard soak and the creamy filling, binding everything deliciously together.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle spice that pairs marvelously with the berries and cream.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons): Boosts the flavor with sweet, fragrant notes enhancing the entire casserole.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance sweetness and deepen flavors.
- Milk (1 cup) and half and half (1 cup): These create the rich, velvety custard that soaks the bread layers perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (for garnish): Adds a pretty, sweet finish when dusted atop before serving.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates the luscious, tangy filling that sets this casserole apart from ordinary French toast.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1/2 tablespoon): Used to sweeten both the filling and the berries for balanced sweetness.
- Fresh berries (1/2 cup each of blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries): A colorful and juicy trio that bursts with freshness in every bite.
How to Make Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your casserole is assembled. Make sure to grease a 13×9 inch rectangular baking pan well; this will prevent sticking and make serving a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Base Layer
Arrange half of your sliced bread (8 slices) evenly in a single layer in the bottom of the greased baking pan. This base will soak up all the delicious cream cheese filling and custard later, so spread the slices carefully for maximum coverage.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Next, add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, one large egg, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. Pour this dreamy mixture over the bread layer and spread evenly with a spatula, creating a rich, velvety layer for the berries to rest on.
Step 4: Add the Berries
In a medium bowl, gently toss your fresh blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of granulated sugar. This step softens the berries just a touch and balances their natural tartness. Evenly distribute the sugared berries over the cream cheese filling, ensuring that you get a burst of berry goodness in every bite.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Bread
Place the remaining 8 slices of bread on top of the berries, arranging them neatly. Press down gently to help the filling and berries stay in place and prepare for soaking.
Step 6: Prepare the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 6 eggs along with ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and salt. Slowly add milk and half and half, whisking continuously to combine thoroughly. This rich custard mixture will infuse the bread layers with incredible flavor and creaminess.
Step 7: Soak the Casserole
Pour the custard evenly over the entire bread casserole, making sure to cover every slice for maximum soak. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the bread down, helping it absorb all that luscious custard for the perfect texture after baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the casserole is completely set and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, let it rest for 10 to 20 minutes to allow the custard to settle—this makes slicing easier and keeps everything perfectly moist.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch. Serve warm to savor the full creaminess of the custard and the juicy burst of berries. This is the moment when the magic of your Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole Recipe truly shines!
How to Serve Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra garnish elevates the presentation and taste. Fresh berries scattered on top or a drizzle of pure maple syrup can add sweetness and brightness. A sprig of fresh mint offers a lovely contrast in color and freshness that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is so rich and fulfilling, simple sides work best. Serve with crispy bacon or sausage links to add savory notes. A fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the creamy, berry-packed casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for elegant single servings at a brunch party. You can also top each portion with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for a decadent, restaurant-style experience that will wow your guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days for the freshest taste and texture. The dish reheats wonderfully and remains moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully before baking. Assemble the entire dish in a freezer-safe pan, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding about 15 extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through. A quick sprinkle of powdered sugar afterwards makes it taste freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While a sturdy loaf like brioche or challah works best for absorbing custard without falling apart, you can use your favorite bread as long as it has a soft but firm crumb.
What berries work best in this recipe?
This recipe shines with blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, but you can mix in strawberries or even chopped peaches to put your own twist on it.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Just be sure your cream cheese and dairy products are from vegetarian sources if that is a consideration.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole and cover it with foil, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for convenience and the best texture.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to dazzle your family or friends with a cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug, I can’t recommend the Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole Recipe enough. It’s a wonderful balance of creamy, fruity, and comforting textures and flavors that will make your mornings truly special. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition!
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Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast treat that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend brunch. Layers of soft bread are filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and mixed berries, then soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard before baking to golden perfection. Topped with powdered sugar, this casserole combines creamy, fruity, and warmly spiced flavors with a tender, custardy texture.
Ingredients
Bread and Base
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf of bread, sliced into 16 slices
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Berries
- 1/2 cup blackberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
Custard
- 7 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup half and half
Finishing
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9 inch rectangular baking pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare the base layer: Arrange 8 slices of the bread in a single layer evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking pan, setting the foundation for the casserole.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Pour this mixture over the bread layer and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Add the berries: In a medium bowl, gently toss blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of sugar to lightly sweeten and macerate them. Distribute the berries evenly over the cream cheese filling layer.
- Top with the remaining bread: Arrange the remaining 8 slices of bread on top of the berry and cream cheese layer, gently pressing down to compact the layers slightly.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 7 large eggs, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk and 1 cup half and half until fully combined to create a smooth custard mixture.
- Soak the casserole: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread layers, ensuring it covers all slices evenly. Press the bread down gently with the back of a spoon to help absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the casserole is fully cooked through and the top turns golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10-20 minutes before serving to set.
- Serve: Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve the casserole warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Using a sturdy loaf like brioche or challah will give the best texture and richness.
- Letting the casserole sit after baking helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Fresh or frozen berries can be used; just thaw and drain frozen berries before using.
- This recipe can be prepared the night before by assembling and refrigerating, then baking in the morning (add extra baking time if baking from cold).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
