If you’re on the hunt for a warm, cozy breakfast that feels like a sweet hug from the inside, I’ve got just the thing: my beloved Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe. This recipe is a game-changer for weekend brunches or holiday mornings when you want something hands-off but utterly delicious. Trust me, once you taste the blend of soft bread, luscious berries, and that buttery cinnamon crumble, you’ll want to keep this one in your regular rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Make-Ahead: Prepare it the night before and wake up to a bursting-with-flavor breakfast ready to bake.
- Perfect Berry Burst: Loads of fresh strawberries and blueberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Built-In Streusel Topping: That crisp, cinnamon-sugar crumble on top adds texture and keeps everyone asking for more.
- Family Favorite: Whether it’s a holiday or lazy weekend, it disappears fast — and for good reason!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe works in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture. I recommend using fresh, ripe berries for the best taste, and a sturdy bread like sourdough so it holds up without turning to mush overnight.
- Sourdough or French Bread: Day-old bread is ideal here because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Blueberries: Fresh ones provide juicy pops — frozen can work but fresh is best for texture.
- Strawberries: Washed and chopped, they add sweetness and a lovely tang.
- Eggs: The backbone of the custard to give richness and help everything set.
- Milk (whole or 2%): Adds creaminess without being too heavy.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This subtle indulgence makes the custard ultra-luxurious.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the tart berries with sweet warmth.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes to both custard and topping.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of fragrant vanilla truly elevates the flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: The perfect hint of spice running through the custard and topping.
- All-Purpose Flour: For the crumble topping’s structure.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness in the streusel topping.
- Butter: Use cold pieces to create that irresistible crumbly topping.
Variations
I love customizing this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe based on what’s in season or what my family is craving. Feel free to swap berries or even add a nutty twist to make it your own.
- Seasonal Berries: I often swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries in summer for a different fruity vibe.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free bread and gluten-free flour in the topping — just keep the soaking time close.
- Nuttier Crunch: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping ups the crunch and flavor wonderfully.
- Dairy-Free Swap: Almond or oat milk and coconut cream work in place of dairy, but add a touch more sweetener to balance.
How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Casserole Dish and Bread
Start by greasing a 9×13 casserole dish well to prevent sticking. Cut your bread into roughly 1-inch chunks — I like to keep the sizes even so the custard soaks through uniformly. Toss the bread chunks together with the fresh berries and spread everything evenly in the dish. This layering ensures your berry bursts are scattered delightfully throughout the casserole.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries, gently pressing some bread down to soak up as much as possible. The key here is to saturate all the bread chunks without turning it into a soggy mess — you want them soft, but with a little structure.
Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover your casserole with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge for several hours or overnight. This step is a lifesaver because it lets the flavors mingle and the custard soak deep into the bread — plus, it frees up your morning for other things!
Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping
When it’s time to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. For the streusel, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender, fork, or clean fingers until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. This crumble topping is the secret that adds a satisfyingly crunchy cinnamon-sugar layer to your casserole.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the streusel crumbles evenly over the soaked bread and berry layer, covering as much surface as you can. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour — I like to check it around 45 minutes to decide if I want it softer and custardier or more firm and crisp around the edges. If you want it less moist, extend the baking time and keep an eye so it doesn’t dry out.
When it’s golden, bubbly, and smells like cinnamon heaven, it’s ready! Let it cool slightly, then serve warm with syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or more fresh berries on top.
Pro Tips for Making Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can get too soggy; day-old sourdough or French bread soaks custard perfectly without turning to mush.
- Don’t Skip the Refrigeration: Letting the casserole soak overnight makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
- Even Streusel Coverage: Covering the top well ensures every bite has that delightful crumbly crunch.
- Check for Doneness: Give the casserole a gentle shake near the end of baking — it should be mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center.
How to Serve Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this casserole with a quick dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish and an extra drizzle of warm maple syrup for sweetness. Fresh mint or extra berries on top add a pop of color and freshness that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait also compliments the sweet richness of the casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday brunches, I’ve served the casserole in smaller individual ramekins for a charming presentation. You could also decorate the top with edible flowers or swirl in a berry compote before baking for an extra special touch that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I usually warm individual portions gently in the microwave or oven — it tastes just as comforting the second time around.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, this casserole freezes well. I recommend baking it first, letting it cool completely, then freezing portions wrapped tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to revive that crispy topping.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually place the casserole slice on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the topping is crisp again. This keeps it from getting soggy like the microwave can sometimes cause.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of bread for the Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While sourdough or French bread offers great texture and flavor, you can also use brioche or challah for a richer, slightly sweeter base. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to absorb the custard without falling apart.
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Can I prepare the Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe in the morning instead of overnight?
Yes, you can! Just let the soaked casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to let the custard absorb well. Baking time might be a bit shorter since it hasn’t chilled, so keep an eye on it.
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What’s the best way to keep the streusel topping crispy?
Applying the streusel topping just before baking helps it stay crisp. Also, avoid covering the casserole tightly after baking; exposing it to air for a bit helps maintain the crunchy texture.
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Can I make this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping eggs with a flax or chia seed mixture, using plant-based milks and creamers, and substituting butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. The texture might be a bit different, but it still makes a tasty morning treat!
Final Thoughts
I can’t overstate how much this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe has become my family’s go-to for fuss-free, crowd-pleasing breakfasts. Every time I pull it out of the oven—cinnamon-scented and gorgeously golden—I feel like I’ve nailed that perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. If you love berry-packed mornings that practically make themselves, you’re going to want to make this a tradition in your kitchen, too. Seriously, give it a try and see how it quickly becomes your favorite!
Print
Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast that combines the warm, comforting flavors of baked French toast with fresh blueberries and strawberries. Topped with a cinnamon streusel, it’s perfect for a weekend brunch or holiday gathering, offering a perfectly moist and sweet dish that can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
Ingredients
Casserole:
- 1 lb loaf Sourdough Or French Bread
- 1 ½ cups (195g) blueberries
- 1 lb strawberries, washed, hulled and chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup (104g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (36g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping:
- 3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (169g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (112g) butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Cut and layer bread with berries: Slice the sourdough or French bread into 1-inch chunks. Combine the bread chunks with fresh blueberries and chopped strawberries, then spread this mixture evenly at the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
- Soak the bread mixture: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries in the casserole dish, ensuring all bread pieces get saturated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure even cooking.
- Make streusel topping: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until a crumbly streusel forms.
- Apply topping: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the soaked bread and berry mixture, covering as much of the surface as possible for a crisp, sweet finish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. For a softer and moister texture, bake closer to 45 minutes; for a firmer texture, bake longer.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enhance with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or additional fresh fruit if desired for extra sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Use day-old sourdough or French bread for best absorption and texture.
- The casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated before baking.
- Adjust baking time to preference for texture: less time for softer, more custardy results; more time for a firmer bake.
- Feel free to substitute or add other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
- Serving suggestions include adding whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/12th of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
