Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole
An easy breakfast to prepare the night before, this berries and cream French toast casserole is crispy, creamy, sweet, and tart from fresh berries.
Ingredients
Mixed Berry French Toast:
- 2-3 cups of mixed berries, see note
- 8 ounce block full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream, or half-and-half
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 12-14 ounces brioche bread, see note
Toppings:
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Whipped Cream
Directions
Make the Components:
- Start by washing 2-3 cups of mixed berries. In a large bowl, add the berries and fill the bowl with water and a splash of white vinegar. Swirl the berries around by hand for a minute or two, then drain. Rinse with cold water 1-2 more times to remove vinegar and drain. Set aside the berries on paper towels to dry.
- In a mixing bowl, add one 8-ounce block of softened full fat cream cheese, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer on low speed, beat the cream cheese and other ingredients until creamy and smooth. Increase the speed as it breaks down and becomes smoother. Set aside.
- In another mixing bowl, add 8 large eggs and whisk until smooth and no streaks of white or yolks remain. Pour in 1 ¼ cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream and add ⅔ cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk together until the sugar has dissolved and everything is incorporated. Set aside.
- Finally, slice 12-14-ounces of stale bread into roughly 1-inch cubes for a chunky and rustic French toast or use smaller cubes for a smoother and more homogeneous version.
- For stale bread, I usually take the bread out in the morning of the night I’m going to make this and leave it out all day. Alternatively, you can slice the bread and place the cubes on a baking sheet and place in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Layer & Bake the French Toast:
- In a 13x9 baking dish or large casserole dish (anything but a metal pan) add half of the bread cubes. Top with dollops of sweetened cream cheese and half of the berries.
- Next, add the rest of the bread cubes and the rest of the mixed berries. Slowly pour in the egg and cream mixture, being sure to coat all the bread on top since it won’t be submerged in the liquid. Gently press down on the top layer just to ensure all the bread gets soaked.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in your refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours but overnight is best.
- The next morning, remove the dish and leave it out at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C.
- Uncover and bake on the center rack for 45-55 minutes. Bake for the lower amount of time for a softer texture, and up to 55 minutes for a crispy top and more fully set center. If the top is getting too brown, cover lightly with foil.
- When baked to your preference, remove from the oven and let it cool and finish setting for 15-20 minutes. Top with powdered sugar and optionally more fresh berries. Serve warm with maple syrup and/or whipped cream.
Notes
1) Mixed Berries – I like to use a mix of blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries here because my stores tend to sell a mix of the first 3 in one package. Feel free to make this with your favorite 1-2 berries alone though. If you use frozen, I suggest thawing and patting them dry first though, or you may end up with purple French toast.
2) Bread – I like brioche here, but other great options include challah bread, sourdough, or even crescent rolls. I don’t suggest white sandwich bread though, because it can fall apart or stay too soggy compared to the others. I also mention the amount in ounces/grams because cups can vary a lot depending on how small or large you slice the bread.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 portionCalories: 341kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 425mgPotassium: 187mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gCalcium: 160mgIron: 1mg
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