Berry French Toast Casserole has become one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something beautiful and satisfying without needing to stand by the stove all morning so I first made this dish on a snowy Sunday when my kids asked for “something sweet and cozy” and I had a loaf of slightly stale bread just waiting to be used. I tossed it with cream and eggs then layered in the berries I had on hand and the result was so good it instantly earned a spot in our breakfast rotation.

Now I reach for this recipe anytime I have guests or want to prep ahead for a relaxed morning because it’s as practical as it is comforting and the mix of juicy berries sweet custard and golden toast is a dream. Whether it’s served for a lazy weekend brunch or a festive holiday morning this casserole always disappears quickly and fills the kitchen with delicious anticipation.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Eggs – Provide structure and create the creamy custard base
Milk – Helps soften the bread and carry all the flavor
Heavy cream – Adds richness and creates a luxurious texture
Granulated sugar – Lightly sweetens the custard without overpowering the berries
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor
Cinnamon – Brings cozy spice to the mix
Brioche or challah bread – Ideal for soaking up the custard while staying tender
Mixed berries (blueberries raspberries strawberries) – Offer bright juicy bursts in every bite
Butter – Used for greasing the dish and adding richness
Powdered sugar – Sprinkled on top for a pretty finish

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls – For whisking the custard ingredients together
Whisk – Helps blend the eggs milk and cream smoothly
Measuring cups and spoons – To keep everything in balance
Baking dish (9×13 inch) – Where the casserole bakes into golden perfection
Spatula – For folding and layering the bread and berries
Foil – To cover the casserole while baking to prevent over-browning
Oven – To cook everything evenly and create a golden crust
Sieve or shaker – For dusting powdered sugar on top

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the bread

I start by cutting the brioche into thick cubes then I leave them out for a few hours or toast them briefly in the oven so they hold up better in the custard.

Step 2: Make the custard

In a large bowl I whisk together the eggs milk cream sugar vanilla and cinnamon until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Layer the casserole

I grease the baking dish with butter then I add half of the bread cubes spreading them evenly. Next I scatter a generous layer of berries over the bread and pour half of the custard mixture on top. I repeat the layering with the remaining bread and berries then finish by pouring the rest of the custard over it all.

Step 4: Soak and chill

I like to cover the dish with foil and let it soak in the fridge for at least 1 hour or even overnight because that way every bite is full of flavor.

Step 5: Bake it up

When I’m ready to bake I preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the covered casserole for about 30 minutes. Then I remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until it’s puffed golden and set in the center.

Step 6: Cool and serve

I let it cool for a few minutes before dusting it with powdered sugar. I love serving it warm with extra berries or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Tips

If I’m short on time I’ve made this without chilling and it still tastes fantastic. For a fun twist I sometimes use flavored creamers or swap the milk for almond milk if serving to dairy-sensitive guests. A dash of lemon zest also brightens the whole dish especially when I use mostly blueberries or raspberries!

Ways to Serve

This dish is perfect as the centerpiece for a weekend brunch or holiday breakfast. I like to serve it with extra fresh berries on the side and maybe a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also great as a sweet evening treat with a cup of tea or coffee and a cozy blanket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Berry French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes this recipe is perfect for prepping the night before. Just assemble and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake in the morning.

What type of bread works best for Berry French Toast Casserole?

I always recommend brioche or challah because they’re rich and sturdy and soak up the custard beautifully.

Can I use frozen berries for this Berry French Toast Casserole?

Absolutely. Just toss them with a little flour before adding to prevent excess moisture from pooling in the casserole.

See You in the Kitchen

I really hope you give this Berry French Toast Casserole a try! It’s a cozy colorful and crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a breakfast favorite in your home too. Don’t forget to share your version with me or save it for your next special morning!

Happy Cooking!