Why You’ll Love Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe

You can assemble it ahead (even the night before), making busy mornings simpler.
The custard soak transforms the bread into soft, creamy bites while still holding structure.
The berries add vibrant freshness and a bit of tartness to balance the richness.
It’s ideal for serving a crowd — cozy yet special.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bread Base

Challah or brioche bread, cubed (preferably day‑old)

For the Berry Mix

Mixed berries (e.g. strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

For the Custard Soak

Large eggs
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Salt

For Baking & Serving

Unsalted butter (to grease the dish)
Optional: maple syrup (for serving)

Directions

Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish evenly with unsalted butter.
Cube the challah or brioche bread into roughly 1‑inch pieces, and spread them in the prepared baking dish.
Rinse the berries and pat them dry, then sprinkle them over the bread cubes, distributing evenly.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until silky and well combined.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing gently with a spatula so that bread cubes begin to absorb the liquid.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours — or preferably overnight — to let the custard soak fully.
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Remove the cover and bake uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes, until the top turns golden and the custard is set (not jiggly).
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking, to allow the custard to set. Then slice and serve warm, optionally drizzled with maple syrup or topped with whipped cream or powdered sugar.

Servings and timing

Yield: 8 slices Atlantis Lights
Prep time: 20 minutes Atlantis Lights
Chilling time: 4 hours (or overnight) Atlantis Lights
Bake time: 45–50 minutes Atlantis Lights
Total time: ~5 hours 10 minutes (including chilling) Atlantis Lights

Variations

Gluten‑Free: Use gluten‑free brioche or challah.
Single Berry: Use only strawberries, or only blueberries, for a simpler flavor.
Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking.
Dairy‑Free: Replace milk and cream with coconut milk and coconut cream (or another nondairy alternative).
Citrus Twist: Stir in orange zest to the custard for extra brightness.
Spiced Additions: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for added warmth.
Seasonal Fruit Swap: Instead of berries, use diced apples, peaches, or pears (adjust moisture accordingly).

Storage/Reheating

In the refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container (or tightly covered) for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Portion and wrap individual servings in foil or freezer bags; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a 325 °F (160 °C) oven for 15–20 minutes (covered or loosely tented) until heated through and the top regains a bit of crispness.

FAQs

What type of bread is best for this casserole?

Day‑old or slightly stale challah or brioche works best, because it soaks up the custard without turning soggy or mushy.

Can I assemble this the morning I want to bake it?

Yes — you need at least 4 hours of chilling for proper soaking, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.

My casserole turned out soggy. What happened?

Probably excess moisture from berries or insufficient baking uncovered. Always pat berries dry after rinsing, and bake uncovered so the top crisps up. Also, using slightly stale bread helps it absorb custard more cleanly.

Can I use regular sandwich bread or French bread?

You can, but challah or brioche give the richest texture. If using other bread, monitor soaking time and texture carefully.

How do I serve it neatly?

Let it rest about 10 minutes after baking so it sets. Use a sharp knife to slice straight cuts.

Can I skip chilling and bake immediately?

You might, but the custard won’t soak into the bread as fully, giving a less custardy interior.

Are there good toppings to add?

Yes — whipped cream, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup all work beautifully.

Can I make a smaller version?

Yes — just scale down ingredients proportionally and use a smaller baking dish (e.g., 8×8) adjusting bake time slightly.

How to avoid overbaking?

Bake until custard is set (no jiggle) and top is golden. If edges brown too fast, cover loosely with foil partway through baking.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes — it contains dairy and eggs but no meat. For a vegan version, use plant‑based substitutes for milk, cream, and eggs.

Conclusion

This Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole delivers the cozy flavors of custardy French toast with the freshness of berries, all baked into one comforting dish. It’s simple to prep ahead, elegantly satisfying, and flexible enough for many dietary needs or flavor twists. Serve it for brunch, a holiday breakfast, or any time you want a breakfast that feels special.