Overnight French Toast Casserole with Brown Sugar Streusel and Berry Topping Recipe

If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Brown Sugar Streusel and Berry Topping Recipe. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes that’s as impressive as it is easy. You prep it the night before, then wake up to a golden, custardy casserole topped with a sweet, crunchy streusel and fresh berries. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time—it’s perfect for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or any time you want a comforting treat without all the fuss in the morning.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes a difference here. Day-old bread soaks up all the custard without getting mushy, while whole milk and plenty of eggs create that rich, creamy base. The brown sugar in the streusel adds warmth and depth, and the berries bring freshness and a lovely splash of color.

• Day-old French bread: Using slightly stale bread helps it soak up the custard perfectly without falling apart. Sourdough or challah work beautifully too for a slightly different flavor.
• Whole milk: Adds richness that keeps the custard tender but firm.
• Large eggs: They’re the backbone of the custard, binding everything together and adding protein.
• Light brown sugar: You’ll need it for both the custard and the streusel topping—it gives a lovely caramel note.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a hint adds warmth and spiciness without overpowering the dish.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Salted butter: The secret ingredient for the streusel topping that melts in your mouth.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the streusel for that perfect crumbly texture.
• Berries (fresh or frozen): I usually use frozen berries—super convenient and defrost beautifully during baking!

Variations

I’ve played around with this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Brown Sugar Streusel and Berry Topping Recipe quite a bit—feel free to make it your own! Sometimes I swap berries for sliced apples and a sprinkle of nutmeg when it’s fall, and other times I add a splash of bourbon to the custard for a little grown-up twist.

• Fruit Variations: Using apples, peaches, or pears instead of berries brings seasonal variety—just adjust the sweetness accordingly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the bread for a gluten-free variety and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk.
• Extra Crunch Streusel: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brown sugar streusel for more texture and flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice or cardamom in place of cinnamon for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Brown Sugar Streusel and Berry Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cubing the Bread

Start by cubing your day-old French bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. I prefer to use stale bread because it absorbs the custard without turning into mush. Spread the cubes out in your casserole dish so they’re evenly distributed. This part only takes a few minutes but sets the base for the whole recipe.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt until smooth and silky. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure the bread soaks it all up. You’ll want to cover this and refrigerate overnight to let the magic happen.

Step 3: Prepare the Brown Sugar Streusel

While the bread soaks, it’s time to make the streusel topping. Combine the salted butter, flour, and brown sugar in a bowl. I like to cut the butter into the mixture using a pastry blender or just my fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. This topping will bake into a crispy, sweet layer that’s the star of the show.

Step 4: Assemble and Add the Berries

The next morning, sprinkle the prepared streusel evenly over the soaked bread. Top everything with your choice of berries—frozen works perfectly and they cook down into juicy bursts of flavor. Pop it into the oven, and you’re just about there!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the casserole at 350°F for about 60 minutes, or until the custard is set and the streusel is golden and crisp. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the top has that irresistible crunch. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole with Brown Sugar Streusel and Berry Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of pure maple syrup for extra sweetness. A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it feel extra special (yes, even for breakfast!). Fresh mint leaves tossed on top add a nice pop of color and freshness, too.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or sausage links to add a savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette can lighten things up beautifully if you’re serving a bigger crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I like to bake this casserole in mini ramekins for individual servings that look fancy but are super easy. Another fun idea is to layer different berries in stripes or patterns on top for a colorful presentation. Setting it on a rustic wooden board with fresh flowers and fruit baskets makes your table feel inviting and celebratory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find the casserole tastes just as good reheated, and sometimes the flavors even develop further overnight.

Freezing

Freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers or individually wrapped slices for up to two months. I’ve successfully frozen this casserole both before and after baking. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm portions in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through—this helps restore the crispy topping. Microwave works in a pinch but the texture isn’t quite the same.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Brown Sugar Streusel and Berry Topping Recipe, I was hooked immediately. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but isn’t complicated, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones. I love waking up to that amazing aroma filling the house and knowing a delicious, comforting breakfast is ready with almost no morning effort. Give this a try—you’ll find it becomes a staple in your brunch rotation just like it did in mine!

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