Description
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast bake featuring layers of cubed French bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar, topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s a make-ahead dish ideal for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12-14 cups French bread, cut into cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
Fruits & Toppings
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Maple syrup, as much as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 9”x13” casserole pan with vegetable oil or butter to prevent sticking. Cut the French bread into cubes and layer them evenly in the dish, filling it about three-quarters full.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups 2% milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2/3 cup brown sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine bread and custard: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the casserole, ensuring all pieces are soaked with the custard.
- Add the berries: Slice the strawberries and spread them along with the blueberries evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Refrigerate: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole: Remove the plastic wrap and place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 50 minutes. Check at 35 minutes by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done. If not, continue baking until set.
- Finish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled over the top and enjoy your delicious berry French toast casserole!
Notes
- For best results, use day-old or slightly stale French bread so it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
- Feel free to substitute the berries with your favorite fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, depending on availability and preference.
- If you prefer a richer dish, swap 2% milk for whole milk or half-and-half.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/12th of the casserole)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
