Baked French Toast Casserole With Berries

Name: Baked French Toast Casserole With Berries
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); Powdered sugar for serving

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Recipes

I absolutely love starting my day with a delicious Baked French Toast Casserole With Berries. This delightful dish combines the comforting flavors of French toast with the vibrant sweetness of fresh berries, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family breakfast. The best part? You can prep it the night before, letting the bread soak up the rich custard while you get a good night's sleep. When I bake it in the morning, the whole house fills with a heavenly aroma that makes everyone eager to dig in!

Created by

Florence Keaton

Last updated on 2026-02-16T11:25:37.134Z

When I first came across the idea of a baked French toast casserole, I knew I had to give it a try. The concept of preparing everything the night before seemed too good to be true. After experimenting a bit with various bread and berry combinations, I found that using a mix of brioche and fresh strawberries creates a perfect blend of flavor and texture.

I discovered that coating the bread with a rich egg mixture allows it to absorb the flavors beautifully. What surprised me was how the crispness of the baked top and the gooeyness underneath create a delightful contrast. Don't skip the dusting of powdered sugar – it adds a sweet finishing touch that elevates the whole dish!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Cozy comfort food that feels like a hug in every bite
Bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh berries
Easily customizable with your favorite fruits or toppings

Choosing the Right Bread

The choice of bread is crucial in achieving the perfect texture for your Baked French Toast Casserole. Brioche is ideal due to its richness and ability to absorb the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy. If you can't find brioche, challah or even a good quality French bread can work as substitutes. Just ensure they are slightly stale or toasted before cubing to prevent excessive sogginess.

For a different flavor, you can use cinnamon raisin bread for added sweetness and spice. Regardless of the type, cutting your bread into uniform cubes, about 1-inch in size, will ensure even soaking and baking, leading to a consistent texture throughout the casserole.

Incorporating the Berries

Using fresh berries enhances the dish not only in flavor but also in visual appeal. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries each contribute their unique sweetness and tartness, balancing the richness of the egg custard. When layering, I like to reserve some of the berries to top the casserole before baking; this not only elevates the presentation but also allows them to create a delicious berry sauce as they roast.

If fresh berries are out of season, frozen berries can serve as a convenient substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain them beforehand to avoid excess moisture that could make your casserole soggy. Adjust the amount slightly if using larger berries, ensuring an even distribution for those delightful bites of fruit.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best features of this casserole is its ability to be made ahead of time. After combining the bread and berries with the custard mixture, you can cover it and refrigerate it overnight. This soaking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a richer and more flavorful dish in the morning. Remember to remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about one minute or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent the top from becoming too dry.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start!

For the Casserole

1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Powdered sugar for serving

Make sure to check your pantry for any additional items you might want to include!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect casserole.

Prepare the Bread

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brioche cubes with half of the mixed berries. Set aside.

Mix the Custard

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Combine and Soak

Pour the egg mixture over the bread and berries, gently tossing to ensure the bread is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!

Now you’re ready to enjoy a decadent breakfast!

Pro Tips

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different fruits, such as peaches or apples, or adding nuts for an extra crunch. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave!

Serving Suggestions

This casserole can be served warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a classic touch. For a decadent finishing touch, consider drizzling warm maple syrup over each slice. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the dish into a dessert territory, perfect for entertaining guests during brunch.

For a more nutritious take, serve it with a side of Greek yogurt topped with extra berries. This balance of protein and fiber adds a refreshing element that compliments the sweet richness of the casserole beautifully.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your casserole seems too dry after baking, it may not have absorbed enough custard. To prevent this, ensure the bread is adequately saturated, and consider increasing the custard mixture next time if you prefer a moister texture. Alternatively, covering the dish with foil while baking can trap moisture and steam, helping create a softer end product.

On the other hand, if the top of your casserole browns too quickly, simply cover it loosely with foil until the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will allow the inside to cook without burning the exterior. Knowing your oven’s hot spots can also help you position the casserole appropriately.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easy to scale up or down depending on your needs. If you want to feed a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Ensure to adjust your bake time, keeping an eye on it to check for doneness; a larger casserole might require an additional 5-10 minutes of baking.

For smaller servings, you can halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller dish, like an 8x8 inch pan. Keep in mind, though, that the baking time might reduce slightly, so start checking for doneness about 5-10 minutes earlier than the recipe states.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use day-old bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! Day-old bread works great as it absorbs the custard better.

→ Is it necessary to soak the bread overnight?

Soaking overnight helps to develop the flavors, but you can soak for just 30 minutes if you're short on time.

→ Can I freeze baked French toast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to top it with maple syrup, whipped cream, or more fresh berries for added flavor.