Dreamy Berry-Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe

Weekend mornings sparkle with this decadent berries & cream stuffed French toast casserole that promises pure breakfast bliss.

Layers of soft bread, rich cream cheese, and vibrant seasonal berries create a morning masterpiece that feels like dessert for breakfast.

Each bite delivers a luxurious combination of tender bread and luscious fruit filling that melts in your mouth.

The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafts through the kitchen, promising something extraordinary.

Perfectly golden and beautifully arranged, this casserole turns an ordinary morning into a celebration of flavor.

Comfort and indulgence merge in this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to make everyone at the table smile.

Dive into this irresistible breakfast sensation and start your day on a sweet, memorable note.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50-60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 9

Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole Ingredients

• White Bread: Soft, sturdy base that soaks up creamy egg mixture perfectly, choose day-old bread for better absorption.
• French Bread: Provides delightful texture and classic breakfast feel, select slightly stale loaf for enhanced custard soaking.

• Cream Cheese: Silky smooth foundation for decadent filling, select full-fat variety for richest flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens cream cheese mixture, use fine granulated for smooth blending.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to filling, opt for pure vanilla for most authentic taste.
• Egg: Binds filling and provides rich, luxurious texture, use fresh large eggs at room temperature.

• Eggs: Creates custardy base, provides structure and richness to casserole.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softness, whole milk recommended for creamiest result.
• Half and Half: Enhances richness and smooth texture, choose freshest option.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice, use freshly ground for most vibrant flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Mixed Berries: Adds burst of freshness and color, choose ripe, seasonal berries.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides delicate sweetness and elegant finishing touch.

Tools to Make Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole

• 13×9 rectangular baking pan: Essential for layering and baking the casserole.
• Mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for beating cream cheese and creating smooth filling.
• Large mixing bowls: Needed for preparing cream cheese mixture and egg mixture.
• Spatula: Great for spreading cream cheese and evening out layers.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending egg mixture and ensuring smooth consistency.
• Measuring cups: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of sugar and spices.
• Spoon: Useful for pressing down bread and distributing egg mixture.

How to Bake Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole

• Bread Base

Line a baking dish with soft, delicious bread slices creating a cozy foundation for the breakfast treat.

• Creamy Dream Filling

Whip cream cheese into a silky smooth mixture blended with sweet hints of sugar and vanilla, transforming ordinary ingredients into something magical.

• Berry Burst Layer

Scatter fresh, juicy berries across the cream cheese surface, adding vibrant color and bright flavor that will make taste buds dance.

• Custardy Blanket

Create a luscious egg mixture infused with warm cinnamon and rich milk, gently pouring it over the entire casserole to ensure every slice gets soaked with deliciousness.

• Oven Magic

Bake the casserole until it puffs up beautifully and turns golden brown, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will draw everyone to the table.

• Finishing Touches

Allow the casserole to rest and settle, then dust with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar, transforming the dish into a stunning breakfast centerpiece ready to be devoured.

Tips for Custardy Texture and Fresh Fruit Flavor

• Swap fresh berries with frozen mixed berries for a budget-friendly twist that adds vibrant color and flavor.
• Experiment with flavored cream cheese like strawberry or blueberry to intensify the breakfast's richness and create a unique taste profile.
• Prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Simply bake in the morning for a stress-free, delicious breakfast that saves precious morning time.
• Convert this recipe to gluten-free by using gluten-free bread, or make it lighter with low-fat cream cheese and almond milk for health-conscious individuals.
• Elevate the final dish with fresh whipped cream, maple syrup drizzle, or toasted almonds to add extra texture and gourmet flair that transforms this simple casserole into a restaurant-worthy breakfast.

Serving Berries & Cream Casserole for Brunch

• Morning Brunch Centerpiece: Dazzle your weekend guests with this eye-catching casserole as the star of your breakfast spread, perfectly complementing fresh coffee and mimosas.
• Sweet Dessert Alternative: Transform the leftover casserole into a decadent evening treat by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzling warm caramel sauce on top for an indulgent twist.
• Fruit Accompaniment Pairing: Serve alongside a light mixed berry compote or fresh fruit salad to enhance the berry flavors and add extra nutritional balance to the rich dish.
• Elegant Presentation Style: Dust the casserole with powdered sugar just before serving, and garnish with a few fresh whole berries and mint leaves to create a restaurant-quality visual appeal.

Storing French Toast Casserole Easily

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 45-60 seconds or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh berries on top to refresh the presentation.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare the entire casserole and freeze uncooked for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Alternatively, freeze individual slices wrapped separately for convenient single-serving breakfasts.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking and a perfectly fluffy texture.

Dreamy Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Comforting berries & cream stuffed french toast casserole brings classic breakfast luxury to weekend family gatherings. Layered bread, tangy cream cheese, and sweet berries create a delightful morning meal everyone will savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf bread (16 oz / 454 g), sliced into 16 slices
• 7 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (240 ml)
• 1 cup half and half (240 ml)
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup blackberries (75 g)
• ½ cup blueberries (75 g)
• ½ cup raspberries (75 g)
• 1 ½ tbsps pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup + ½ tbsp granulated sugar (65 g)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• Powdered sugar (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Generously grease a 13×9 rectangular pan, creating a non-stick surface for the layered toast creation.
2. Base Layer: Construct the foundation by meticulously arranging the first set of bread slices in a uniform, edge-to-edge configuration across the pan’s bottom.
3. Cream Cheese Transformation: Whip cream cheese using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, then fold in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, homogeneous mixture.
4. Layering Magic: Spread the cream cheese blend evenly across the bread base, ensuring complete and consistent coverage with a smooth spatula technique.
5. Berry Infusion: Gently toss fresh berries with sugar, then artfully distribute them over the cream cheese layer, creating a vibrant and flavorful fruit stratum.
6. Final Construction: Crown the berry layer with remaining bread slices, pressing gently to compact the delicate ingredients and create a cohesive structure.
7. Liquid Alchemy: Whisk eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt, then gradually incorporate milk and half and half, creating a luxurious custard-like liquid.
8. Moisture Absorption: Slowly cascade the egg mixture over the casserole, using a spoon to help bread thoroughly soak up the rich, aromatic liquid.
9. Culinary Transformation: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50-60 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and firm, set texture.
10. Finishing Touches: Rest the casserole for 10-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then dust with powdered sugar and serve warm, revealing the decadent layers within.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate to enhance flavor absorption and save morning preparation time.
• Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for better liquid absorption and richer texture.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Let excess liquid drip off bread slices before layering to maintain a perfect, crisp-edged casserole.
• Berry Flexibility: Swap fresh berries with frozen options, but thaw and drain excess moisture to prevent watery results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg