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Berry French Toast Casserole

Berry French Toast Casserole

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Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy breakfast or brunch recipe thatโ€™s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a cozy weekend morning. Bursting with juicy berries and a creamy, custardy interior, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Preparation: Assemble it the night before and bake in the morning.
  • Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
  • Customizable: Use your favorite berries or a mix for a personalized touch.
  • Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Saves time when hosting guests or planning meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: Youโ€™ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Bread (such as brioche, challah, or French bread)
  • Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Cream
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
  • Maple syrup (optional, for serving)

Directions

Berry French Toast Casserole this Recipe
  1. Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
  2. Grease a 9ร—13-inch baking dish.
  3. Cut the bread into cubes and spread half into the prepared dish.
  4. Sprinkle half the berries over the bread layer.
  5. Add the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the remaining berries.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
  7. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and berries.
  8. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  9. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  10. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
  11. Let cool slightly before serving with powdered sugar and maple syrup, if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

  • Fruit Substitutions: Use peaches, cherries, or apples for a seasonal twist.
  • Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk and coconut cream.
  • Sweeteners: Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.
  • Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the bread layers.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 325ยฐF (160ยฐC) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, frozen berries work well. Thaw and drain them before adding to prevent excess moisture.

2. What type of bread is best for this recipe?

Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal due to their soft texture and ability to absorb the custard.

3. Can I prepare this casserole on the same day?

Yes, but allowing it to rest for at least 2 hours helps the flavors meld and the bread absorb the custard.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use almond milk or oat milk and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

5. Can I add a topping?

Yes, streusel or chopped nuts can be added before baking for a crunchy texture.

6. How can I prevent sogginess?

Ensure the casserole is baked until set and golden on top. Let it rest before slicing.

7. What can I serve alongside this dish?

Pair it with scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete meal.

8. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, assemble it without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

9. What if I donโ€™t have cream?

You can use whole milk or half-and-half as a substitute for cream.

10. How do I know when itโ€™s done?

The casserole is ready when the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the top is golden brown.

Conclusion

Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the best of breakfast and dessert into one irresistible creation. With its luscious custard, juicy berries, and golden baked top, itโ€™s the perfect recipe to impress your guests or indulge in a cozy family breakfast. Assemble it ahead of time and enjoy a stress-free morning with this delicious and versatile casserole.

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Berry French Toast Casserole

Berry French Toast Casserole

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines soft, fluffy bread with juicy berries and a rich custard. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or family gatherings, this make-ahead recipe will impress everyone at the table!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Topping:

  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Garnishes:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Casserole:
    • Grease a 9ร—13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed French bread evenly in the dish.
    • Sprinkle the mixed berries over the bread cubes.
  2. Make the Custard:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
    • Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries. Lightly press down to ensure the bread soaks up the custard. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Prepare the Topping:
    • In a medium bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to create a crumbly mixture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Bake:
    • Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
    • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
    • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  5. Serve:
    • Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to use your favorite berries, or substitute with just one type (e.g., blueberries or strawberries).
  • For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or oat milk and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

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