Description
Sumptuous berry french toast casserole combines creamy custard with sweet berries for a delightful breakfast centerpiece. Crisp edges and tender interior promise a memorable morning meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (355 ml) mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups / 945 ml)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups (475 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (55 g) brown sugar
- 3 tbsps cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup (50 g) sliced almonds or pecans (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Additional fresh berries
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and create a foundational layer by evenly distributing bread chunks. Sprinkle mixed berries across the bread, ensuring complete coverage.
- Custard Fusion: Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until a smooth, homogeneous liquid develops. Pour the custard over the bread and berry layer, gently pressing to maximize liquid absorption.
- Marination: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of three hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to harmonize.
- Crumble Creation: Blend flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter using a pastry cutter until a grainy texture forms. Incorporate sliced almonds or pecans to enhance the topping’s depth and complexity.
- Baking Sequence: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Remove the casserole from refrigeration, evenly spread the prepared topping, and bake uncovered for 45 minutes until the surface turns golden-brown and the custard sets completely.
- Finishing Touches: Let the casserole rest for 8-10 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a maple syrup drizzle, and fresh berries to elevate the visual appeal and flavor profile.
Notes
- Maximize Bread Absorption: Select day-old or slightly stale bread for optimal custard soaking, preventing soggy or overly wet texture while ensuring each bread chunk becomes perfectly saturated with creamy mixture.
- Prevent Berry Sinking: Lightly toss berries in a thin layer of flour before distributing across bread layer, helping them suspend evenly throughout the casserole and preventing complete settlement at bottom during baking.
- Temperature Control Matters: Allow casserole to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing potential temperature shock that could impact custard’s smooth consistency.
- Dietary Modification Options: Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version; replace regular bread with gluten-free alternative; use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for lower glycemic index adaptation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg