Berries and Cream French Toast Casserole – The Best Brunch Bake
Berries and Cream French Toast Casserole is a rich, make-ahead breakfast bake made with soft bread cubes soaked in a creamy custard, layered with mixed berries and cream, then baked until golden and tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes (about 8 cups)
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 oz cream cheese or mascarpone, softened and cubed
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
- Scatter the mixed berries over the bread, then add small dollops of cream cheese or mascarpone throughout.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Day-old bread absorbs custard better and helps prevent sogginess.
- Frozen berries can be used without thawing.
- Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg