Description
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast or brunch dish featuring cubes of French bread soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, layered with fresh strawberries and blueberries, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with powdered sugar and served with maple syrup, it’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing way to enjoy classic French toast in a convenient casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 12–14 cups French bread, cut into cubes
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
Fruit Topping
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
Finishing
- 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Maple syrup, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter to prevent sticking. Cut the French bread into cubes and fill the dish about three-quarters full with the bread cubes.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2% milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until fully combined and smooth. This mixture acts as the custard that will soak the bread.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish, ensuring all pieces are saturated and beginning to soak in the liquid for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Add the Berries: Slice the strawberries and scatter them along with the blueberries evenly over the top of the soaked bread mixture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and develop rich flavors.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 35 to 50 minutes. Check doneness at 35 minutes by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked. If not done, continue baking until set and golden on top.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle powdered sugar over the top. Serve warm with maple syrup on the side for an extra touch of sweetness and enjoy your delicious berry French toast casserole!
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole up to the refrigeration step the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for a convenient make-ahead breakfast.
- Use day-old French bread or a sturdier bread like brioche for best texture and absorption of custard.
- Feel free to substitute or add other berries like raspberries or blackberries based on availability and preference.
- Adjust cinnamon and brown sugar quantities to taste if you prefer a spicier or sweeter casserole.
- Ensure the casserole is baked thoroughly to avoid soggy texture; the bread should be set and the edges lightly browned.
Keywords: French toast casserole, berry French toast, breakfast casserole, baked French toast, strawberry blueberry breakfast