Description
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful baked breakfast dish featuring layers of cubed French bread or brioche soaked in a rich custard infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla, combined with fresh or frozen mixed berries. Perfect for a make-ahead brunch or holiday meal, it’s served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and drizzled with maple syrup for a sweet, comforting start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Berries
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
For Serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. This ensures easy serving and cleanup later.
- Layer Bread and Berries: Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. Scatter half of the mixed berries over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and berries to create two layers.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and berries in the baking dish. Gently press the bread cubes down to help them absorb the custard fully.
- Chill: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the custard to soak into the bread for tender, flavorful results.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Uncover the casserole and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, indicating the custard is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly. Dust the top with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Using stale bread helps the casserole soak up more custard without becoming too soggy.
- For extra richness and texture, add cream cheese cubes between the bread layers before pouring the custard.
- This casserole is great for make-ahead meals; prepare it the night before and bake fresh in the morning, perfect for brunch or holiday gatherings.
