Name: Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-14 cups French bread, cut into cubes; 8 large eggs; 2 cups 2% milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 1 cup strawberries, sliced; 1/2 cup blueberries; 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar; Maple syrup, to serve

Oh, I’m so excited to share this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe with you! It’s one of those breakfast dishes that feels like a cozy hug on a plate—perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings when you want something that’s both comforting and a little fancy. The combination of fresh berries with cinnamon-spiced bread soaked in a rich custard just melts in your mouth, and honestly, it’s a total crowd-pleaser every single time.

What makes this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe extra special is how easy it is to prep ahead, so you’re not stuck scrambling in the kitchen while everyone’s waiting. I love how the bread soaks up all those egg and milk flavors overnight, then bakes into this dreamy, golden, custardy wonder. Plus, the burst of juicy berries on top adds a fresh brightness that balances all the sweetness perfectly. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe come together beautifully to create a balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. You’ll want to grab fresh berries for the best taste, and good-quality French bread that’s slightly stale works wonders soaking up the custard mixture without getting mushy.

French bread: Day-old bread is perfect here—it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Eggs: These bind the casserole and add richness to the custard.
2% milk: Adds creaminess without being too heavy.
Vanilla extract: Gives that lovely, warm aroma and depth of flavor.
Cinnamon: The sweet spice that pairs beautifully with berries and brown sugar.
Brown sugar: Provides a subtle caramel note that makes each bite irresistible.
Strawberries: Fresh and sliced for a bright, juicy pop.
Blueberries: Add bursts of tart sweetness scattered on top.
Powdered sugar: Just a light dusting for a pretty finish and a touch of extra sweetness.
Maple syrup: Because there’s nothing quite like drizzling warm syrup over French toast!

Variations

I love how adaptable this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe is—feel free to tweak it to your tastes or dietary needs. I’ve played around with different berries and add-ins that made it even better in some ways, and I encourage you to make it your own!

Berry swap: Try raspberries or blackberries instead of or alongside strawberries and blueberries. I found raspberries add a lovely tangy note that cuts through the sweetness nicely.
Dairy-free: Use almond or oat milk instead of 2% milk for a lactose-free spin that still keeps the casserole creamy.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking to add a crunchy contrast. I love this for weekend brunch when friends are over—it feels extra special.
Extra cinnamon kick: Up the cinnamon to 2 teaspoons if you prefer a spicier flavor profile. I like this version with a cup of coffee in the morning!
For a crispier top: After baking, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes to get the edges golden and crunchy. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Casserole Dish

Start by greasing a 9″x13″ casserole dish really well with either butter or vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Then, cut your French bread into cubes—about 12 to 14 cups—and fill the dish roughly three-quarters full. Using cubes instead of slices helps the custard penetrate evenly and bake up beautifully fluffy.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups of 2% milk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2/3 cup brown sugar until the mixture is smooth. This is your custard, the secret sauce that transforms the bread cubes into that luscious French toast texture. Give it a good mix to ensure even flavor throughout.

Step 3: Combine and Add Berries

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes in your casserole dish, making sure all the bread gets soaked. Then, slice about 1 cup of strawberries and sprinkle those, along with ½ cup blueberries, over the top. This layering lets the berries seep in their juices as everything bakes.

Step 4: Refrigerate to Soak

This next step is key: cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours, or even better, overnight. This soaking time allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread, making sure every bite is custardy and tender, not dry or soggy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 50 minutes, checking at 35 minutes by inserting a knife in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and set. Resist the urge to open the oven door too often so the temperature stays steady!

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

When it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole lightly with powdered sugar for a festive look and just a bit of extra sweetness. Then, serve it warm with plenty of maple syrup—don’t be shy here, maple syrup makes it downright decadent.

How to Serve Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

A close-up image of a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered dessert made of toasted bread pieces covering the entire surface. Mixed inside are sliced red strawberries and whole dark blue blueberries, scattered evenly. The bread pieces are golden brown with a crispy texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar covers the top, adding a slight snowy effect. The dish is placed on a gray striped cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I almost always garnish mine with an extra handful of fresh berries to brighten it up and add a fresh pop of color. A sprig of fresh mint can also be a lovely touch, especially if you’re serving this for guests. The powdered sugar dusted on top adds a simple, elegant look and pairs perfectly with the rustic vibe.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like something light and fresh to balance the richness—think crispy bacon or sausage links, or even a simple green salad if you’re doing a brunch spread. Fresh orange juice or a fruity mimosa rounds out the meal beautifully and keeps things feeling festive and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made this for special occasions like Mother’s Day, I’ve served it family-style on a big wooden board surrounded by small bowls of toppings—extra berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and different syrups. It turns breakfast into a fun interactive experience and looks absolutely stunning on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which can happen if you’re not serving a hungry crowd!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the casserole keeps its texture well if you reheat it gently, so no need to feel like you must eat it immediately.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this casserole too—just wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. From my experience, it freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, pop servings in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but I recommend heating it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Adding a little extra syrup or a pat of butter can help revive that freshly-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While French bread is ideal because of its texture and ability to soak up the custard, you can also use challah, brioche, or even thick-cut sandwich bread. Just make sure the bread isn’t too fresh—slightly stale bread works best to absorb all the delicious custard without becoming mushy.
Can I prepare the Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe the morning of serving?

You can definitely prepare it the same morning, but it’s best if the casserole soaks for at least 4 hours in the fridge to get that custardy texture. If you’re in a hurry, even 2 hours will help, but I really recommend the overnight soak whenever possible for maximum flavor and tenderness.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

It’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set—use a knife or toothpick to test; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it jiggles too much in the center, it needs more time. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and how thick your casserole layer is.
Can I make this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe vegan?

You can try substituting eggs with an egg replacer or flaxseed mixture and using plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. However, texture and flavor may differ since eggs and dairy play a big role in the custard’s creaminess. If you’re into experimenting, it’s worth a try!

Final Thoughts

This Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings people together—whether it’s family weekends, birthdays, or just a lazy Sunday. It’s approachable but impressive, easy to prepare ahead but still feels homemade and fresh. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe that fills your home with warmth and delicious aromas. So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret filling your kitchen with the smell of baked cinnamon, sweet berries, and breakfast bliss!