Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe

The Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity—a perfect way to start your day! This dish combines the comforting flavors of French toast with fresh berries and a luscious cream cheese layer. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole requires simple, yet foundational ingredients that each play a vital role in creating this breakfast masterpiece. From the creamy layer to the fruity sweetness, every component contributes to the final flavor explosion.

• French bread loaf: Day-old bread is ideal here, ensuring it soaks up the custard without getting too soggy.
• Mixed berries: They add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness to each bite.
• Eggs: They create the rich custard that envelops the bread for that classic French toast texture.
• Maple syrup & vanilla: These provide a warm sweetness and comforting aroma that’s hard to resist.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make this Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole truly your own! With just a few tweaks, this recipe can meet any taste preference or dietary need without a hitch.

• Gluten-free option: Swap out the French bread with your favorite gluten-free bread.
• Dairy-free: Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and choose almond or oat milk.

How to Make Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Sweetened Cream Cheese

Begin by mixing the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla. Using an electric mixer helps achieve a smooth and airy texture. Once ready, set this aside—your creamy layer awaits!

Step 2: Create the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla. This mixture will infuse every piece of bread with flavor and richness.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Layer half of the bread in a greased baking dish, followed by dollops of the sweetened cream cheese and a sprinkle of berries. Repeat the layers, then generously pour the egg mixture over top, ensuring every piece is saturated.

How to Serve Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Top your casserole with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Additional fresh berries not only enhance the aesthetics but provide a fresh, juicy burst in every bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette can also balance out the sweetness, providing a refreshing complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider slicing individual servings and plating on colorful dishes for a pleasing presentation. Using a small sifter, lightly dust each plate with powdered sugar for a professional finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen, making tomorrow’s breakfast even more irresistible!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual servings in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. These can be stored for up to two months, ready to warm whenever you need a quick and comforting breakfast.

Reheating

Reheat portions in a 350°F oven until warmed through or use a microwave for a quicker option, keeping in mind to cover it to maintain moisture and avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give the Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole a try and discover why it might just become your new breakfast favorite. Warm, inviting, and satisfyingly sweet, it’s a simple yet standout dish you’ll want to make again and again. Happy cooking!

Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe

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• Author: Jessica
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a delicious overnight breakfast that combines fluffy custard-soaked bread with fresh berries and a rich cream cheese topping. Topped with cinnamon sugar and served with warm maple syrup, it’s perfect for family brunch or weekend mornings.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the French Toast Casserole:

• 1 large French bread loaf (14-16 ounces), cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc.), diced if needed
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups milk of choice
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• Cinnamon sugar, to sprinkle over the top
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, extra berries, warm maple syrup

For the Sweetened Whipped Cream Cheese:

• 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
• 2-3 Tbsp powdered sugar (depending on your preferred level of sweetness)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla

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Instructions

1. Make the sweetened cream cheese: Use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla together in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
2. Mix the egg mixture: Whisk the eggs together in a separate bowl. Add the milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla, then whisk until well combined. Set aside.
3. Assemble the casserole: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or grease with butter. Spread half the bread pieces in an even layer.
   
   Dot half the sweetened cream cheese over the bread and sprinkle half of the berries on top. Repeat with remaining bread, cream cheese, and berries.
   
   Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
4. Chill: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for a more custard-like texture.
5. Preheat oven: To 350°F (175°C).
6. Bake: Remove foil, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top if desired, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is toasted and the casserole is cooked through.
7. Serve: Let cool slightly, then garnish with powdered sugar. Slice and serve warm with maple syrup and optional toppings like extra berries.

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Notes

• Day-old bread works best as it absorbs more custard without becoming too soggy.
• If using a smaller baking pan (like 7×11 inches), expect thicker slices and a slightly longer bake time (50-55 minutes).
• For extra flavor, add a splash of orange zest or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the egg mixture.
• This casserole can be prepared the night before to save time in the morning.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8th of casserole)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Fifty-five grams
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 125mg