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

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

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!

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