Berry French Toast Casserole is a warm, sweet, and comforting baked breakfast dish that combines chunks of soft bread soaked in a rich custard with bursts of fresh or frozen berries throughout. Baked until golden and slightly crisp on top, it’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch that I love to serve for family mornings, holidays, or slow weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s easy to prep ahead, and it feeds a crowd with minimal effort. The berries add a bright, juicy contrast to the custardy bread, and the top bakes up with just the right amount of crunch. Whether I drizzle it with maple syrup or dust it with powdered sugar, this casserole always feels special—and tastes like a warm hug in a dish.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Bread (brioche, challah, or French bread – cut into cubes)
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Eggs
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Milk or half-and-half
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Heavy cream (optional, for richness)
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Vanilla extract
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Ground cinnamon
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Sugar (granulated or brown)
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Mixed berries (fresh or frozen – blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)
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Butter (for greasing the dish)
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Optional: powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream for serving
Directions
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I start by greasing a large baking dish with butter.
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I layer half of the cubed bread into the dish, then scatter half the berries over the top. I repeat with the remaining bread and berries.
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In a large bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, cream (if using), vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
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I pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing down gently to help the bread soak it up.
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I cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes—or overnight if prepping ahead.
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When ready to bake, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), uncover the casserole, and bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
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I let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, then top with powdered sugar or maple syrup.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 and takes about 1 hour total—15 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to bake. If made ahead, it only needs baking in the morning.
Variations
Sometimes I add a layer of cream cheese chunks between the bread for a cheesecake-like twist. I’ve also used flavored breads like cinnamon swirl or added lemon zest to brighten the flavor. If I want it less sweet, I reduce the sugar slightly and serve with extra syrup on the side.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until hot. It can also be frozen—just wrap tightly and thaw overnight before baking or reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, I use them all the time. I add them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw first.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, I use almond or oat milk and skip the cream. There are also dairy-free butter and cream substitutes that work well.
What kind of bread is best?
I prefer brioche or challah for their richness, but any thick, sturdy bread works—even day-old sandwich bread.
Can I prepare it the night before?
Absolutely. I often assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Then I just bake it in the morning.
How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden brown, and the center should feel firm and set. If it’s still jiggly in the middle, I bake it for 5–10 more minutes.
Conclusion
Berry French Toast Casserole is one of my favorite ways to make breakfast feel like a celebration. It’s easy to put together, adaptable to what I have on hand, and always a hit with family and guests. Whether I serve it on a holiday morning or just because, it brings a touch of sweetness and warmth to the table every time.
