Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for a breakfast or brunch dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole. This make-ahead bake marries fluffy brioche with a sweet cream cheese swirl and bursts of juicy fresh berries, all soaked in a rich custard and baked until golden and irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding family, or just want something special for a weekend treat, this simple but show-stopping recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Assembling this Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole is easy thanks to just a handful of familiar ingredients. Each one adds its own delightful note: the bread’s tender cushion, the berries’ zippy freshness, and the creamy, sweet egg custard that brings it all together.

• Brioche or French bread: Cut into hearty cubes, this forms the rich, fluffy base that soaks up every drop of custard.
• Mixed fresh berries: Choose strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for natural sweetness and a pop of beautiful color.
• Large eggs: The backbone of the custard, eggs give the casserole that signature, silky structure.
• Whole milk: Balances richness without being too heavy—key for a luscious texture.
• Heavy cream: This takes the custard from good to outrageously decadent and creamy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the fresh berry flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a cozy aroma and ties all the flavors together.
• Cinnamon: Just a touch gives warmth and a gentle spice that complements the berries.
• Salt: A little bit enhances all the sweet and tangy notes in every bite.
• Cream cheese: When softened and sweetened, this creates dreamy little pockets of cream throughout the casserole.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese swirl with a silky finish.
• Butter or nonstick spray: Helps everything release from the pan like a dream and adds extra flavor.

How to Make Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using either butter or nonstick spray. This little extra step guarantees that every luscious piece of your Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole lifts clean and gorgeous from the pan.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and easily spoonable. This sweet, creamy filling will create delightful pockets of richness that everyone will be seeking in their slice!

Step 3: Layer the Bread, Berries, and Cream Cheese

Spread half the cubed bread in the bottom of your prepared dish. Dot spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread, making sure to tuck some into the spaces for a tasty surprise. Sprinkle half of your fresh berries across the layer, then repeat with the remaining bread and berries.

Step 4: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. This custard is what transforms plain bread into something ethereal, creamy, and so full of flavor.

Step 5: Soak the Casserole

Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over all the bread and berries, then press down gently with your hands or a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor and convenience).

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the top is puffed and golden brown, and the center is set. Allow it to cool slightly before serving, as this makes slicing and serving a breeze.

How to Serve Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream. For extra berry bliss, scatter a handful of fresh berries on top just before serving—each option adds that finishing touch that makes every plate feel special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole with crispy bacon, sizzling breakfast sausages, or a colorful fruit salad for a full brunch spread. A side of Greek yogurt or thick vanilla yogurt offers a tangy contrast and balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party or baby shower, cut the casserole into squares and arrange them on a platter with extra berries and mint sprigs. Or serve in individual ramekins for a personalized touch—so elegant and perfect for special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld and the bread stays tender, making next-day slices just as delicious as the first.

Freezing

Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap single portions or the whole casserole in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual slices or the entire casserole (covered with foil to prevent drying) in a 350°F oven until warmed through—usually 15–20 minutes. For a speedier option, the microwave works, too, heating each piece for about a minute.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them before layering to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy. This makes Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole a year-round favorite.

Can I prepare the casserole more than one day ahead?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated, then bake fresh the next morning for maximum convenience and flavor.

What’s the best bread for this recipe?

Brioche is my absolute favorite for its buttery, tender crumb, but any rich, sturdy loaf (like French bread or challah) works wonderfully. Slightly stale bread will better absorb the custard without falling apart.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is ready when the top looks golden and puffy, and a knife inserted in the center comes out moist but not runny—it should feel set, not jiggly.

Can this casserole be made dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute your preferred plant-based milk and cream, use dairy-free cream cheese, and be sure to grease the baking dish with oil or a vegan spread. The results are still absolutely scrumptious!

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about baking up a dish that’s both fuss-free and destined to wow. Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole truly brings people together for a cozy, joy-filled meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Give it a whirl next weekend—you might just find a new tradition on your hands!

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