This Berry French Toast Casserole is a sweet, fruity, and cozy breakfast bake that I love serving on lazy weekends or holiday mornings. Loaded with juicy berries and rich custard-soaked bread, it’s baked until golden on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether I’m hosting brunch or meal-prepping breakfast for the week, this casserole always feels like a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s make-ahead friendly, easy to customize, and perfect for feeding a group. The combination of fresh or frozen berries with creamy, vanilla-scented custard and soft bread gives it a warm, comforting flavor in every bite. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to throw together and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Bread (day-old brioche, challah, or French bread work best)
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Mixed berries (fresh or frozen—like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
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Eggs
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Milk
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Heavy cream
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Granulated sugar
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Vanilla extract
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Ground cinnamon
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Salt
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Butter (for greasing the dish)
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Optional: powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving
Directions
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I lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
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I cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and add half to the dish. I scatter half of the berries over the bread, then repeat with the remaining bread and berries.
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In a large bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
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I pour the custard evenly over the bread and gently press it down so everything gets soaked.
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I cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight or let it sit for at least 30 minutes if I want to bake it right away.
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When ready to bake, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until puffed and golden.
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I let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with maple syrup.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 45–50 minutes to bake, and I let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—so I plan for just over an hour total (not including chill time if made ahead).
Variations
Sometimes I add a layer of sweetened cream cheese between the bread layers for a berry cheesecake twist. I’ve also made it with just one type of berry or swapped in sliced bananas or peaches. For crunch, I top it with sliced almonds or a brown sugar streusel before baking.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or warm them in the oven at 325°F until heated through. It also freezes well—I cool it completely, slice into portions, and freeze in airtight containers.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, I often use frozen berries straight from the freezer. No need to thaw them—just layer them in as-is.
What type of bread works best?
I like brioche or challah for their richness, but French bread or any thick-cut loaf works as long as it’s slightly stale so it can absorb the custard.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, I’ve made it with plant-based milk and dairy-free cream. Just be sure to use a non-dairy bread and check that any toppings are also dairy-free.
Do I have to chill it overnight?
No, chilling helps the flavors soak in, but if I’m short on time, letting it sit for 30 minutes before baking works just fine.
What’s the best way to serve it?
I love it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. It also pairs well with whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or a berry compote.
Conclusion
Berry French Toast Casserole is a beautiful, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s just as easy to make as it is to enjoy. It’s full of fresh flavor, soft texture, and a touch of sweetness that makes mornings feel a little more special. Whether I’m feeding a family or prepping meals ahead, this one always makes breakfast better.
