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Berry French Toast Casserole 5 Secrets to Perfect Make-Ahead Brunch


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 70
  • Yield: 10 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Make-ahead Berry French Toast Casserole with custardy challah bread, mixed berries, and crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for holiday brunches, feeds 8-10. Assemble the night before, bake fresh in the morning.


Ingredients

Scale

1 large loaf challah or brioche (1 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes

2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

8 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream for serving


Instructions

1. Grease 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes (about 10-12 cups). If bread is fresh, spread on baking sheet and let dry 4-8 hours.

3. Prepare berries: Hull and slice strawberries into ¼-inch pieces. Leave blueberries and raspberries whole.

4. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

5. Make streusel: Mix flour, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Refrigerate.

6. Layer half the bread cubes in prepared dish. Scatter half the berries over bread.

7. Add remaining bread cubes, then remaining berries on top.

8. Pour custard mixture evenly over bread and berries. Press down gently with spatula to ensure all bread is submerged.

9. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 8-12 hours or overnight.

10. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F.

11. Remove plastic wrap. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over casserole.

12. Bake 45-55 minutes until golden brown, puffed, and internal temp reaches 160-165°F. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.

13. Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, serve with maple syrup and whipped cream.

Notes

Day-old or slightly stale bread works best – fresh bread gets too soggy.

Don’t thaw frozen berries – use straight from freezer to prevent excess liquid.

Overnight soaking is crucial for proper custard absorption.

Check doneness with thermometer – center should reach 160-165°F.

Cover with foil if top browns before center is done.

Store refrigerated up to 3 days. Reheat at 325°F covered.

Freeze baked casserole up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Can assemble unbaked and freeze up to 1 month.

Individual portions: Use ramekins, bake 25-30 minutes.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 50
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 175mg

Keywords: french toast casserole, berry french toast, make ahead breakfast, brunch casserole, overnight french toast