Name: Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-14 cups French bread, cut into cubes; 8 large eggs; 2 cups 2% milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 1 cup strawberries, sliced; 1/2 cup blueberries; 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar; Maple syrup, as desired

I absolutely love sharing this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe because it’s one of those brunch dishes that feels both fancy and comforting at the same time. Whenever I make it, the house fills with this amazing warm cinnamon and vanilla scent that feels like a gentle hug. It’s perfect for weekends when you want to treat yourself without slaving away in the kitchen all morning.

What makes this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe really stand out is how effortlessly it comes together and the delicious fruity twist from fresh berries. It’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family gatherings or lazy Sunday breakfasts. Plus, prepping it the night before means your morning just got way easier!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients for this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe is key. Each one plays a role — from the sturdy French bread that soaks up the custard to the fresh berries that add a bright pop of flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand.

French bread: I prefer day-old bread because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.
Eggs: The backbone of the custard, giving the casserole richness and structure.
2% milk: Adds creaminess without being too heavy; you can substitute with whole milk if you like it richer.
Vanilla extract: Enhances that sweet, warm flavor—don’t skip it!
Cinnamon: A must for that classic French toast flavor and a little warmth.
Brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes that blend beautifully with the cinnamon.
Strawberries: Fresh and sliced, they bring juiciness and a slight tartness.
Blueberries: I love how these small bursts complement the strawberries perfectly.
Powdered sugar: For dusting right before serving—adds a pretty, sweet finish.
Maple syrup: The classic drizzle that ties everything together (be generous!).

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is. I tweak it often depending on what fruits are in season or what I have on hand in my fridge. Feel free to make it your own!

Mixed berries: Sometimes I swap in raspberries or blackberries for a different berry combo—each adds a unique flavor and texture.
Gluten-free bread: I’ve also made this with gluten-free loaves, and it works wonderfully for friends with dietary needs.
Almond milk substitution: For a dairy-free twist, almond milk gives a light nuttiness that I really enjoy.
Nut topping: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds crunch and depth.

How to Make Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Casserole and Bread

Start by greasing your 9″x13″ casserole dish with either vegetable oil or butter—this helps prevent sticking and adds a bit of flavor. Then, cut your French bread into cubes, aiming for about 1–1.5 inch pieces. Fill the casserole dish roughly three-quarters full with these cubes; I find this amount works perfectly without overcrowding, so the custard seeps in nice and even.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, 2% milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until everything’s well combined and slightly frothy. This mix is where the magic happens, so take a moment to ensure the sugar fully dissolves and there are no clumps. Pour this evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently with a spatula or your hands so the bread starts soaking up the custard right away.

Step 3: Add the Berries and Chill

Slice the strawberries and scatter them along with the blueberries over the top of the soaked bread. Cover the entire casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours, or better yet, overnight. I can’t emphasize this step enough—letting the bread absorb the custard fully transforms the texture and flavor, making every bite creamy and custardy.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap, pop the casserole into the oven, and bake for about 35 to 50 minutes. I usually start checking around 35 minutes—the top should be golden brown, and a knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean. If it needs more time, just keep an eye on it and bake a little longer until it’s perfectly set.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the entire casserole lightly with powdered sugar. I love how it adds a subtle sweetness and looks beautiful, especially alongside a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor (though it’s still delicious even after cooling).

How to Serve Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered bread pudding. The base layer consists of golden-brown baked bread cubes with a slightly crispy texture. Scattered on top are halved red strawberries and whole dark blueberries, adding pops of red and blue color against the bread. The surface is lightly dusted with powdered sugar, giving a soft white powdery finish. The dish sits on a gray striped cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often add a handful of fresh berries on the side to amp up that fruity charm. Sometimes I’ll toss a sprig of fresh mint on top—it adds a nice pop of color and a refreshing aroma. A drizzle of warm maple syrup is non-negotiable in my book because it complements the sweetness of the casserole perfectly.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep it simple: some crispy bacon or sausage links for savory contrast. A fresh fruit salad or a green smoothie also pairs wonderfully and adds a fresh bite alongside that rich custard base. If it’s a celebratory brunch, a mimosa or fresh squeezed orange juice rounds out the spread nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special mornings, I’ve served this casserole in mini individual ramekins—this is a fun way to make everyone feel extra special. Another idea I’ve enjoyed is layering the bread and berries more like a trifle in a glass baking dish to show off the colors. Either way, presentation is a wonderful chance to get a little creative and impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. The casserole keeps well for up to 3 days, and I always find leftovers taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded more. Just remember to store it promptly once cooled to keep it fresh.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance or save portions, this casserole freezes surprisingly well. I cut it into squares, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—more on that next.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the bread a bit soggy in my experience. The oven method helps maintain a bit of crispness on top while keeping the inside creamy.

FAQs

Can I prepare the Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe without refrigeration?

While you technically can bake immediately after assembling, I highly recommend refrigerating the casserole for at least four hours or overnight. This resting time allows the bread to soak up all the custard, resulting in a much creamier, custardy texture once baked.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?

French bread is ideal because it’s sturdy and can hold up to soaking without falling apart. You can also use brioche or challah for a richer casserole, but avoid soft sandwich bread as it can become too mushy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the 2% milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The casserole will still turn out delicious but might have a slightly different texture and flavor depending on the substitute you choose.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown top and edges that are puffed up slightly. You can also insert a knife or skewer in the center; if it comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine), it’s ready to go.
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes, but I recommend thawing and draining them well first to avoid excess moisture making the casserole soggy. Fresh berries give the best flavor and texture, but frozen can be a convenient substitute.

Final Thoughts

This Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s foolproof, flexible, and downright delicious. It’s that cozy recipe I turn to when I want to impress family or simply enjoy a slow morning at home. If you haven’t tried it yet, I promise it’s worth adding to your brunch rotation—you’ll love how the sweet berries balance with the soft, cinnamon-infused bread, making every bite a little celebration.