A luscious breakfast bake layered with soft bread, mixed berries, and a creamy custard, all topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble. This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or a make-ahead family breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for meal prep – Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
- Great for feeding a crowd – Serves multiple people with minimal effort.
- Customizable – Use your favorite berries and bread.
- Deliciously indulgent – A sweet, rich flavor with a crispy topping.
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples and fresh fruit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread), cubed
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Directions
Prepare the Casserole:
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the dish and sprinkle the mixed berries on top.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Make the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter.
- Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set.
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the crumble topping for extra texture.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a warm, seasonal flavor.
- Citrus Touch: Add lemon or orange zest to the custard for a refreshing brightness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake it fresh in the morning.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, but do not thaw them beforehand to prevent excess moisture.
What type of bread is best?
Brioche, challah, or French bread work best for a rich texture.
Can I make this without eggs?
You can try an egg substitute like mashed bananas, flax eggs, or a commercial egg replacer.
How do I prevent a soggy casserole?
Make sure to use day-old or slightly stale bread and don’t oversoak it.
Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes, halve the ingredients and use an 8x8-inch dish.
Is this casserole sweet enough on its own?
It’s mildly sweet, but you can adjust sugar levels or add maple syrup when serving.
Can I add cream cheese?
Yes, cube softened cream cheese and mix it with the bread for a creamy surprise.
Should I cover it while baking?
Bake uncovered to get a crispy top. If it browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread.
Conclusion
Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any special breakfast or brunch. With its custardy texture, juicy berries, and sweet crumble topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a holiday morning or just treating yourself, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free breakfast!
Berry French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Berry French Toast Casserole is an easy, make-ahead breakfast dish that combines soft bread, juicy mixed berries, and a creamy custard, topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble. Perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings, this indulgent dish is sure to impress with minimal effort. Whether for a crowd or a family meal, this flavorful casserole is a true breakfast favorite!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread), cubed
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole:
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the dish and sprinkle mixed berries on top. - Make the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. - Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries. Make sure all bread pieces are soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. - Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly. - Bake the Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the crumble topping over the casserole. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set. - Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds.
- Customizable: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest for a twist!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
