Berry French Toast Casserole

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 3, 2025

Featured in: Breakfast

Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of warm French toast mingled with fresh, vibrant berries. This Berry French Toast Casserole is a perfect blend of moist, custardy bread with a lightly crusty top, crowned generously with strawberries and blueberries that add a refreshing burst of flavor to every bite.

Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend brunch or an elegant breakfast for guests, this make-ahead casserole simplifies your morning while delivering a dish that feels festive and comforting. Easy to prepare and made in advance, it’s the breakfast that practically cooks itself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make ahead convenience saves you time while still enjoying a fresh, delicious breakfast.
Combination of custardy texture inside and slightly crisp golden crust on top creates the perfect bite.
Fresh berries add natural sweetness and a pop of color for a visually stunning dish.

Ingredients

French Bread (12-14 cups): Stale or day-old bread cubes provide the perfect texture by soaking up the custard without becoming soggy.
Large Eggs (8): Eggs create the rich custard base that holds the casserole together while adding protein and flavor.
2% Milk (2 cups): Milk balances the custard with creaminess and moisture for a tender interior.
Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Adds warm, sweet notes enhancing the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): Provides subtle spice and warmth, perfect for complementing the berries and brown sugar.
Brown Sugar (2/3 cup): Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses depth for caramelized richness.
Strawberries (1 cup, sliced): Fresh, sliced strawberries on top add juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
Blueberries (1/2 cup): Blueberries add poppable juicy sweetness and balance the strawberries visually and taste-wise.
Powdered Sugar (1-2 tbsp): Lightly dusted on top for a delicate sweetness and attractive presentation before serving.
Maple Syrup: Serve generously on the side for added natural sweetness and a classic breakfast pairing.

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread: Grease a 9”×13” casserole dish with vegetable oil or butter to prevent sticking. Cut French bread into roughly 1-inch cubes and fill the dish about three-quarters full. This ensures enough room for the custard soak without overflowing.
Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2% milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until fully combined. This creates a flavorful custard base that will soak the bread, imparting sweetness and richness throughout the casserole.
Combine Custard and Bread: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Make sure all cubes are well-coated to absorb the custard, which is essential for a moist but structured final texture.
Add Fresh Berries: Slice the strawberries and scatter them along with fresh blueberries evenly across the top of the soaked bread mixture. This layering adds bursts of freshness and adds beautiful color contrast to the dish.
Refrigerate to Set: Cover the casserole tightly with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. This resting period allows the custard to fully soak the bread, enhancing the moist texture and deepening flavors.
Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 50 minutes. Begin checking at 35 minutes; the top should be golden brown with a slightly crisp crust while the inside remains tender and custardy.
Final Touches and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the top lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve warm with generous amounts of maple syrup to complete this rich, fruity breakfast experience.

You Must Know

The rest time is crucial for custard absorption; don’t skip refrigerating before baking.
Use day-old French bread to prevent mushy results and achieve the perfect texture.
If berries are out of season, frozen will work but thaw and drain excess moisture first.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions gently in the oven or microwave to retain the crispy top texture. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with extra fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for indulgence. Pair with coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice to complement the sweet and fruity flavors.

Professional Tips

For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or streusel topping before baking.
Try swapping cinnamon for nutmeg or cardamom for slightly different warm spice notes.
Use brioche or challah instead of French bread for a richer custard texture.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?: Absolutely, refrigerating overnight allows the custard to soak fully and intensifies the flavors.
What type of bread works best for this casserole?: Day-old French bread is ideal as it soaks custard without disintegrating. Brioche or challah are great alternatives.
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?: Yes, but thaw and drain frozen berries to avoid excess moisture which could make the casserole soggy.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?: Look for a firmly set custard with a golden, slightly crusty top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I make this gluten-free?: Yes, substitute with gluten-free bread cubes. Ensure all other ingredients meet your dietary needs.
What can I serve alongside this casserole?: Fresh fruit salad, yogurt, or a side of crispy bacon pairs beautifully with this sweet breakfast dish.