berry french toast casserole on a white plate

Berry French Toast Casserole – Sweet, Buttery & Perfect

by
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Berry French Toast Casserole is a sweet, buttery, and fruit-filled breakfast bake that’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or meal prep! Made with soft bread, fresh berries, and a rich custard, this dish is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a stress-free and delicious way to start the day.

The best part? It’s baked to golden perfection and topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or even whipped cream for extra indulgence!

berry french toast casserole on a white plate Save

Ingredients for Berry French Toast Casserole

For the Casserole:

  • 1 loaf (12-14 oz) brioche or French bread, cut into cubes
  • 1 ½ cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

the Topping:

  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Garnishing:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Extra fresh berries
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread & Berries

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Spread bread cubes evenly in the dish.
  3. Sprinkle fresh berries on top.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and berries, making sure all bread is coated.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.

3. Make the Brown Sugar Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon.
  2. Drizzle over the casserole before baking.

4. Bake the French Toast Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove foil and bake for 15-20 more minutes, until golden brown and set.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Let cool for 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.
  2. Serve warm with extra berries and whipped cream!
Save

Expert Tips for the Best Berry French Toast Casserole

Use day-old bread – Helps absorb the custard without getting too soggy.
Let it soak overnight – Enhances flavor and texture.
Cover while baking – Prevents over-browning before the center is fully cooked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using fresh soft bread – Can become too mushy.
Skipping the rest time – The custard won’t absorb properly.
Not checking doneness – The center should be set and not overly jiggly.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

  • Serve on a brunch platter with fresh fruit and bacon.
  • Pair with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
  • Drizzle with a berry compote or honey for extra sweetness.

How to Store & Make Ahead

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

  • Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Freezing:

  • Freeze uncooked casserole for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight before baking.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Try different breads – Use challah, sourdough, or Texas toast.
  • Make it dairy-free – Use almond or oat milk and coconut cream.
  • Add nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds for crunch.

What to Serve with Berry French Toast Casserole

  • Scrambled eggs or omelets for a protein boost.
  • Greek yogurt with granola for a lighter side.
  • A fresh fruit salad for extra freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes! No need to thaw—just mix them in and bake.

How do I make this less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the custard to ¼ cup and skip the brown sugar topping.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Yes! Letting it soak overnight enhances the flavors.

Conclusion

This Berry French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish! With its rich custard, juicy berries, and buttery cinnamon topping, it’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and great for feeding a crowd.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious brunch recipes!

Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 350 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings).

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Serves: 8

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
berry french toast casserole on a white plate Save

Berry French Toast Casserole – Sweet, Buttery & Perfect for Brunch!

  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 55
  • Yield: 8 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Berry French Toast Casserole is rich, fruity, and easy to make! A delicious make-ahead breakfast perfect for brunch or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 1 loaf (12-14 oz) brioche or French bread, cut into cubes
  • 1 ½ cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For Garnishing:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Extra fresh berries
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread & Berries

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Spread bread cubes evenly in the dish.
  3. Sprinkle fresh berries on top.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and berries, making sure all bread is coated.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.

3. Make the Brown Sugar Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon.
  2. Drizzle over the casserole before baking.

4. Bake the French Toast Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove foil and bake for 15-20 more minutes, until golden brown and set.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

 

  1. Let cool for 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.
  2. Serve warm with extra berries and whipped cream!

Notes

✔ Use day-old bread – Helps absorb the custard without getting too soggy.
✔ Let it soak overnight – Enhances flavor and texture.
✔ Cover while baking – Prevents over-browning before the center is fully cooked.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: AMERICAN

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!