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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. - Chill: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for a more custard-like texture.
- Preheat oven: To 350°F (175°C).
- 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.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then garnish with powdered sugar. Slice and serve warm with maple syrup and optional toppings like extra berries.
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.
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
