Description
Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring a luscious custard-soaked bread base layered with vibrant mixed berries. Topped with a cinnamon-sugar crumb topping and baked to golden perfection, this casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy morning treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Berries
- 1 loaf day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread), cubed
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries)
Custard
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
To Serve
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread and Berries: Begin by cubing the day-old bread into bite-sized pieces and placing it in a greased baking dish. Scatter the mixed berries evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring a good distribution of berries throughout the casserole.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined and smooth. This custard mixture will soak into the bread, making it soft and flavorful.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries in the baking dish, pressing down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Preheat and Apply Topping: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread and berries.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the custard is set, the top is golden brown, and the topping is crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup on the side if desired.
Notes
- Using day-old bread allows it to better absorb the custard without becoming too mushy.
- You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance to save time in the morning.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Feel free to customize the berries depending on what’s fresh and in season.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
