Baked berry French toast is a sweet and comforting breakfast casserole, featuring soft, custard-soaked bread cubes layered with fresh berries and baked until golden brown. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, this dish is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever you want a special yet easy breakfast that feeds a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the richness of classic French toast with the ease of a casserole bake. You don’t need to stand over a stove flipping slices—instead, everything comes together in one pan and goes straight into the oven. The fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add natural sweetness and a burst of flavor, while the custard mixture creates a soft, creamy texture inside with a golden, buttery crust on top. It’s perfect for make-ahead mornings and can be customized with your favorite fruits or toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (or sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cubed French bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup (or sugar), vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Scatter the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries evenly over the soaked bread.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the berries and bread.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Make It Overnight: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Fruit Swaps: Use blackberries, peaches, or sliced bananas in place of or alongside the berries.
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
- Cinnamon Sugar Crust: Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mix over the top for added sweetness and texture.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Dot spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese throughout the casserole for added richness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. This dish also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, brioche, challah, or even sandwich bread can be used. Slightly stale bread works best for soaking up the custard.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free milk and cream alternatives, and use plant-based butter.
Is this recipe sweet enough without syrup on top?
It is mildly sweet, especially with maple syrup in the custard. You can add syrup when serving if desired.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare it up to 12 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce the maple syrup or use a sugar substitute if preferred. The natural sweetness of the berries helps balance the flavor.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with scrambled eggs, sausage, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete brunch.
Can I cut the recipe in half?
Yes, use an 8×8-inch baking dish and reduce the baking time by 5–10 minutes.
How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden and crisp, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven for best texture, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Conclusion
Baked berry French toast is a delightful way to start your morning with something sweet, warm, and comforting. With a soft custard interior and golden top bursting with berries, it’s a dish that feels special without requiring extra effort. Perfect for gatherings or slow weekend mornings, this breakfast casserole will become a go-to favorite for both its ease and its flavor.
Baked Berry French Toast
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Berry French Toast is a sweet, custardy breakfast casserole loaded with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, all baked into golden, buttery perfection. Perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or any time you want a make-ahead breakfast that’s fruity, fluffy, and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (or sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread cubed French bread evenly in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour over the bread, gently pressing to soak. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Top with berries and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and set.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- Swap in frozen berries (thawed and drained) if needed.
- Serve with extra maple syrup or whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
