Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm, custardy French toast baked with fresh, juicy berries and topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This Berry French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat — moist on the inside, slightly crisp on top, and bursting with fruity flavor. Perfect for busy mornings, make-ahead brunches, or a cozy weekend breakfast, this casserole lets you prep ahead and bake whenever you’re ready to eat. Serve with maple syrup for an indulgent yet simple start to your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-ahead recipe saves time in the morning
- Moist, custardy inside with a slightly crispy top
- Fresh berries add natural sweetness and color
- Perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or holiday mornings
- Easy to scale up for large gatherings
Ingredients
- French bread (12–14 cups, cubed) – Absorbs the custard for a soft, hearty base
- Large eggs (8) – Provide structure and richness for the custard
- 2% milk (2 cups) – Creates a creamy custard that soaks the bread
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor
- Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Gives a subtle, aromatic sweetness
- Brown sugar (2/3 cup) – Sweetens the custard naturally
- Strawberries (1 cup, sliced) – Adds fresh, juicy flavor
- Blueberries (1/2 cup) – Offers bursts of sweetness and tang
- Powdered sugar (1–2 tbsp) – Optional, for dusting
- Maple syrup – For serving, adds natural sweetness
How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole
Prep the Baking Dish
Grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter. Cut the French bread into cubes and fill the dish about three-quarters full.
Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until fully combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the cubed bread, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Add the Berries
Slice the strawberries and sprinkle them along with the blueberries on top of the bread and custard mixture.
Refrigerate
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard fully for a custardy, soft interior.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35–50 minutes. Check at 35 minutes — the top should be slightly golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Serve
Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving. Enjoy warm!
Tips for Success
- Use slightly stale French bread for better custard absorption
- Ensure the custard fully covers all bread cubes for even texture
- Do not overbake; check for a lightly golden top and set center
- Fresh berries work best, but frozen berries can also be used (no need to thaw)
Equipment Needed
- 9″x13″ rectangular casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Recipe Variations
- Mixed Berry Version: Add raspberries or blackberries along with strawberries and blueberries
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for added crunch
- Chocolate Berry: Add mini chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a sweet twist
- Cinnamon Roll Style: Drizzle cream cheese glaze on top after baking for extra indulgence
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm with extra maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect brunch.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare, cover, and refrigerate up to overnight. Bake when ready.
Can I use different bread?
Yes, challah, brioche, or even a sturdy sandwich bread works well.
How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, bake it fully, let it cool, then wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I use almond milk or another milk alternative?
Absolutely. Any milk substitute will work, though the custard may be slightly less creamy.
Berry French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist on the inside and slightly crusty on top, this Berry French Toast Casserole is loaded with fresh berries. Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or brunches, serve with powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Ingredients
- 12–14 cups French bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar, for serving
- Maple syrup, as desired
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter. Fill ~3/4 with cubed French bread.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- Pour egg mixture over the bread cubes in the casserole dish.
- Slice strawberries and sprinkle along with blueberries on top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35-50 minutes. Check at 35 minutes and continue baking if necessary.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.
Notes
- Make ahead for easy breakfast prep.
- Adjust baking time depending on casserole depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a dream for anyone who loves easy, make-ahead breakfasts that feel indulgent and fresh. Moist, sweet, and fruity, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for mornings with family, holiday brunches, or whenever you want a cozy, delicious breakfast. Prep ahead, bake, and enjoy the comforting flavors of berries and custard in every bite.
