Berry French Toast Casserole

Berry French toast casserole is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for slow mornings or brunch with friends. It’s made with cubes of soft bread soaked in a sweet vanilla custard and loaded with juicy berries. After baking, it comes out golden on top and custardy in the center—basically everything I love about French toast but in an easy, oven-baked version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, beautiful, and feeds a crowd without much effort. The berries add a burst of flavor and color, and the soft, eggy bread holds everything together without getting soggy. I can assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning, which makes hosting brunch a lot less stressful.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Day-old brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into cubes

• Mixed berries (fresh or frozen—like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)

• Eggs

• Milk (or half-and-half for a richer version)

• Heavy cream (optional for extra richness)

• Granulated sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Ground cinnamon

• Salt

• Butter (for greasing the baking dish and optional topping)

• Powdered sugar and maple syrup, for serving

Directions

1. I start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

2. I add half of the bread cubes to the dish, sprinkle on half the berries, then repeat with the remaining bread and berries.

3. In a large bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, cream (if using), sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

4. I pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing gently to make sure everything gets soaked.

5. I cover the dish with foil and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours—or overnight if I’m prepping ahead.

6. When I’m ready to bake, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

7. I bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.

8. I let it rest for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with maple syrup.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours to overnight
Bake time: 50–55 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour active, longer with chill

Variations

Sometimes I add a cream cheese swirl by dotting small pieces of softened cream cheese between the layers. I’ve also swapped the berries for sliced bananas and added chocolate chips for a fun twist. If I want to make it dairy-free, I use almond or oat milk and skip the cream. For a nutty crunch, I top it with slivered almonds or pecans before baking.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm individual slices in the microwave or pop the dish back into the oven at 325°F until heated through. It also freezes well—I wrap portions tightly and reheat in the oven from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, I use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. They release juice as they bake and add great flavor.

What’s the best bread for this casserole?

I prefer brioche or challah for richness, but French bread or sandwich bread works too. Day-old bread holds up best.

Do I have to chill it overnight?

Chilling overnight gives the bread time to absorb the custard fully, but if I’m short on time, I let it soak for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and skip the cream. I also use oil or vegan butter to grease the dish.

How do I know it’s done baking?

The top should be golden, and the center should feel set when gently pressed. If unsure, I check that the custard is no longer liquid in the middle.

Conclusion

Berry French toast casserole is my go-to for an easy, impressive breakfast that’s bursting with flavor. It’s soft, sweet, and packed with berries in every bite. Whether I’m serving a crowd or just making something special for the weekend, this recipe never lets me down—and it always disappears fast.

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