Name: Berry French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread (14–16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes; 8 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries); 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for topping); Butter or nonstick spray for greasing

Why You’ll Love Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

You’ll appreciate how little work it requires in the morning — most of it happens the night before. The bread soaks in a sweet, spiced egg-milk mixture overnight, then bakes into a tender, custardy interior with a lightly crisp top. The berries infused throughout lend bursts of fruity brightness, and the whole dish pairs beautifully with maple syrup. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers cozy, comforting flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

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

• French bread (day‑old or dryer bread works best)
• Eggs
• Milk (2% is used, but other kinds will work)
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon powder
• Brown sugar
• Strawberries (sliced)
• Blueberries
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
• Maple syrup (for serving)

Directions

Grease a 9″ × 13″ casserole dish with butter or oil.
Cut the French bread into cubes and fill about three‑quarters of the dish with them.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until combined.
Pour this egg-milk mixture evenly over the bread cubes, allowing them to soak.
Top with sliced strawberries and blueberries (fresh or frozen).
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C).
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 35–50 minutes, checking around the 35‑minute mark and extending if needed until the center is set.
Once baked, dust with powdered sugar (if desired). Serve warm with maple syrup.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Soaking Time / Resting: 4 hours (or overnight)
Bake Time: 35–50 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour plus resting time

Variations

Use other berries such as raspberries or blackberries in place of strawberries/blueberries.
Substitute challah, brioche, croissants, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread for French bread.
Replace regular milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Try a cheesecake-style version by swirling in a sweetened cream cheese layer before baking.
For extra flavor, fold in a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once cooled, cover the casserole and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Store maple syrup separately.
Freezing: You can freeze portions of the baked casserole. Reheat in the oven (covered) until warmed through.
Reheating: Microwave individual servings for a short burst (e.g. 20–30 seconds) or reheat in the oven at low temperature until warm.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can. There’s no need to defrost them first — they’ll soften during baking.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely. Use any bread you have on hand (e.g. challah, white bread, whole wheat, gluten-free). Just try to use slightly stale or drier bread so it absorbs the custard better.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, substitute almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk, adjusting consistency if needed.

How long should I let it soak overnight?

Letting it rest for 4 hours is sufficient, but refrigerating overnight often gives better flavor and texture.

Do I bake it covered or uncovered?

Bake it uncovered so that the top can crisp nicely.

What if the center is still runny at 35 minutes?

Continue baking longer, checking every 5–10 minutes until the center is set and no longer jiggles.

Can I prepare this the night before and bake later?

Yes — that’s the idea. Prepare and soak it ahead, then bake when you’re ready in the morning.

How should I serve it?

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

Is this recipe adjustable for smaller portions?

Yes, you can scale down ingredients proportionally and use a smaller baking dish.

Does it reheat well?

Yes, it reheats nicely in both microwave and oven. Just avoid overcooking so it doesn’t dry out.

Conclusion

This Berry French Toast Casserole is an elegant yet simple breakfast or brunch option that tastes far more indulgent than the effort it takes. With the ease of overnight prep and a bright, fruity finish, it’s a winner whether you’re serving guests or just spoiling yourself.