This Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Featuring rich cream cheese, juicy mixed berries, and soft challah bread, it’s a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors that everyone will love. Whether for a holiday gathering or a casual weekend morning, this casserole is sure to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing breakfast that combines the comfort of traditional French toast with the elegance of fresh berries and creamy cheese. It’s a baked dish that can be prepped ahead of time, so you don’t have to rush in the morning. The layers of custard-soaked bread, berries, and cream cheese are baked to golden perfection, offering the ideal balance of textures. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent and delicious.

Ingredients

8 cups of cubed stale challah bread (or another sturdy bread like brioche or sourdough)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
2 cups mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
6 large eggs
1½ cups whole milk
¾ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it.
Layer the cubed bread in the dish, then add dollops of the cream cheese mixture and scatter the mixed berries on top.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers in the dish.
Cover the casserole and refrigerate for 2–3 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
Let it cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 300 kcal per serving

Variations

Use different berries: You can easily customize this dish by using only strawberries, blueberries, or any berry combination you prefer.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free while keeping the same great taste.
Add a streusel topping: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, add a buttery streusel topping before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, frozen berries work well in this recipe. Make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it the next morning.

What if I don’t have stale bread?

If your bread isn’t stale, toast it in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 10 minutes to dry it out.

Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes! A streusel topping will add a nice, crunchy texture and extra flavor to your casserole.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute challah with other breads like brioche or sourdough. Sturdy, sweet breads work best for this casserole.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese, milk, and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream, almond milk, and dairy-free cream cheese.

How do I make this recipe less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of sugar or leave out the confectioners’ sugar in the cream cheese mixture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re serving a larger group. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I serve this with syrup or sauce?

Yes! While the casserole is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Conclusion

This Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a must-try for breakfast or brunch lovers. With its custard-soaked bread, fresh berries, and creamy filling, it’s a delightful, indulgent treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing for a special gathering or enjoying a weekend breakfast, this casserole will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole

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Author: Paula
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish. Made with custard-soaked challah bread, creamy cream cheese filling, and fresh mixed berries, this easy-to-make, indulgent casserole is perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend treat. Prep it ahead of time for a stress-free morning!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the Bread and Cream Cheese: Layer the cubed bread in the dish. Add dollops of the cream cheese mixture and scatter mixed berries on top.
Make the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers in the dish. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight to let the bread soak up the custard.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

Berry Substitutions: You can customize this casserole with your favorite berries. Try using only strawberries, blueberries, or a different berry combination.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.

Streusel Topping: Add a buttery streusel topping before baking for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning for an easy, no-fuss breakfast.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American