Baked French Toast Casserole With Berries
Highlighted under: Bakeshop Favorites
I love starting my mornings with a delightful Baked French Toast Casserole With Berries. This dish has become our weekend staple, where the sweet aroma of cinnamon and fresh berries fills the kitchen. I particularly enjoy how simple it is to prepare the night before, allowing us to sleep in a little longer while still enjoying a delicious breakfast. The combination of soft bread soaked in a creamy custard and the burst of juicy berries creates a beautiful harmony of flavors that everyone in my family adores.
When I first tried making this casserole, I was amazed at how easily all the flavors meld together. By letting the bread soak overnight, the custard penetrates every bite, making it soft and flavorful. I also discovered that mixing different berries adds not only flavor but also a vibrant color that makes the dish visually appealing.
One tip I have is to sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top just before serving; it gives the casserole a touch of sweetness and elegance. We enjoy adding a drizzle of maple syrup on top, which just takes it over the top!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Heavenly combination of sweet and tangy berries
- Make-ahead convenience for busy mornings
- Perfectly caramelized top for added texture
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious breakfast casserole:
For the Casserole
- 1 loaf of thick-cut bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
For Topping
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your casserole:
Prepare the Bread
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cubed bread to the mixture and gently fold until well coated. Stir in the mixed berries.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Serve and Enjoy
Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.
Feel free to experiment with different fruits!
Pro Tips
- For added richness, use challenge cream or half-and-half in place of some of the milk. Stale bread works best for soaking up the custard, so don’t hesitate to use leftover bread.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, it's actually better to let it soak overnight so the bread absorbs the custard mixture well.
→ What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
A thick-cut bread like brioche or challah works wonderfully because it holds the custard well.
→ Can I substitute the berries?
Absolutely! You can use any berries you prefer or even mix in other fruits like sliced bananas or apples.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Baked French Toast Casserole With Berries
I love starting my mornings with a delightful Baked French Toast Casserole With Berries. This dish has become our weekend staple, where the sweet aroma of cinnamon and fresh berries fills the kitchen. I particularly enjoy how simple it is to prepare the night before, allowing us to sleep in a little longer while still enjoying a delicious breakfast. The combination of soft bread soaked in a creamy custard and the burst of juicy berries creates a beautiful harmony of flavors that everyone in my family adores.
Created by: Georgia Lane
Recipe Type: Bakeshop Favorites
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Casserole
- 1 loaf of thick-cut bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
For Topping
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cubed bread to the mixture and gently fold until well coated. Stir in the mixed berries.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.
Extra Tips
- For added richness, use challenge cream or half-and-half in place of some of the milk. Stale bread works best for soaking up the custard, so don’t hesitate to use leftover bread.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 8g