Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Loaded with fresh blueberries and strawberries, it’s perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or special occasion. The creamy custard-soaked bread topped with a cinnamon streusel makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 pound loaf sourdough or French bread
• 1 ½ cups (195g) blueberries
• 1 pound strawberries, washed, hulled, and chopped
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (112g) butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut the bread into 1-inch chunks. Combine the bread chunks with the blueberries and chopped strawberries, then spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and fruit, ensuring all the bread pieces are soaked.
5. Step 5: Cover the casserole and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, ¾ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Add the butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Step 7: Evenly crumble the streusel topping over the soaked bread and fruit in the casserole dish, covering as much surface as possible.
8. Step 8: Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. For a softer, moister casserole, bake closer to 45 minutes; for a firmer texture, bake longer.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Drizzle with syrup or dust with powdered sugar, and add extra fresh fruit if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old bread for the best texture to prevent sogginess.
• Swap the berries for any seasonal fruit like peaches or apples for a different twist.
• Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the custard for a citrusy brightness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
• Make the casserole the night before for an easy, hands-off breakfast.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated. This casserole does not freeze well due to the custard texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for preparing the night before. Let it soak in the refrigerator overnight to enhance the flavors and make morning prep easy.

Can I use other types of bread?

Absolutely. While sourdough or French bread work best for structure and flavor, brioche or challah can make the casserole richer if you prefer a sweeter, softer base.

Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish featuring layers of sourdough bread, fresh blueberries, and strawberries soaked in a rich custard mixture, then topped with a cinnamon streusel and baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or holiday morning, offering a comforting combination of sweet fruit, warm spices, and a tender, custardy texture.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Total Time: 8-12 hours (including soaking time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit and Bread

• 1 pound loaf Sourdough or French Bread, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 ½ cups (195g) blueberries
• 1 pound strawberries, washed, hulled and chopped

Custard Mixture

• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Streusel Topping

• ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (112g) butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

1. Prepare the dish: Grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and set it aside to prevent sticking during baking.
2. Assemble the bread and fruit: Cut the sourdough or French bread into 1-inch chunks. Combine the bread chunks with blueberries and chopped strawberries, then spread evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish.
3. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
4. Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and fruit in the casserole dish, ensuring all the bread pieces are submerged and soaked. Cover the casserole and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
5. Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Prepare the streusel topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs resembling a crumble.
7. Top the casserole: Evenly crumble the streusel topping over the soaked bread and fruit layer, covering as much of the surface as possible.
8. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Bake for the shorter time if you prefer a softer, moist texture, or longer for a firmer texture with less moisture.
9. Serve: Once baked, serve the casserole warm. Optionally garnish with syrup, powdered sugar, or additional fresh fruit for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Soaking the casserole overnight improves flavor and texture as the bread fully absorbs the custard.
• Use fresh seasonal berries for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Adjust the baking time according to your preferred texture – shorter for soft custardy consistency, longer for a more set casserole.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives, but the texture will vary.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Berry French Toast Casserole, breakfast casserole, baked French toast, berry breakfast, sourdough French toast, brunch recipes