Description
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend brunch. Featuring layers of cubed French bread soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla egg custard and topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries, it bakes to a golden, custardy perfection. A dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup elevate its flavor, making it a crowd-pleasing comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 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
Berries and Garnish
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Maple syrup, as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter to prevent sticking. Cut the French bread into cubes and fill the casserole dish about three-quarters full with the bread cubes, evenly distributing them.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 2 cups of 2% milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2/3 cup brown sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the casserole dish, ensuring all pieces absorb the liquid.
- Add Fresh Berries: Slice the strawberries and scatter them along with the blueberries evenly over the top of the soaked bread and custard mixture.
- Refrigerate: Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. This resting time allows the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 50 minutes. Check doneness around 35 minutes; the top should be golden brown and the custard set.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the casserole with 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and presentation. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top as desired, and enjoy your delicious berry French toast casserole!
Notes
- For best results, use day-old French bread to absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before to save time in the morning.
- Feel free to substitute or add other fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries.
- Use a toothpick to test doneness; it should come out clean when the casserole is baked through.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
