Name: Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups fresh or frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc.); Powdered sugar, for dusting; Optional toppings: maple syrup, whipped cream, lemon zest

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Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a warm, custardy breakfast bake that’s bursting with juicy berries and layered with creamy richness. I cube up soft bread, soak it in a sweet vanilla custard, and bake it with fresh or frozen berries until golden and fluffy. A swirl of cream cheese or dollops of whipped topping make it feel indulgent, and it’s perfect for weekends or special brunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s the kind of dish I can make ahead and bake in the morning—no standing over a skillet flipping slices. It’s sweet, creamy, and filled with tart berries that balance out the richness. Whether I’m serving it for a holiday breakfast, a brunch with friends, or just because I want something cozy, it always hits the mark. It tastes like dessert but works perfectly as breakfast.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Brioche or French bread, cut into cubes
Eggs
Milk (whole milk or half-and-half)
Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or a mix)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Optional: maple syrup, whipped cream, lemon zest

Directions

I grease a baking dish and layer half the bread cubes in the bottom.
I beat together the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla to make a custard mixture.
I dollop or spread softened cream cheese over the bread, then sprinkle in the berries.
I top it with the remaining bread cubes and pour the custard evenly over everything, pressing gently to help the bread soak it up.
I cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight if I’m prepping ahead.
When ready to bake, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), uncover the casserole, and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
I let it cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with syrup or whipped cream if I’m feeling extra.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings. It takes 15 minutes to prep, at least 2 hours to soak (or overnight), and about 45 minutes to bake, so I plan for 3 hours total or prep the night before.

Variations

Sometimes I add lemon zest to the custard for a fresh citrus twist. I’ve made it with cinnamon-swirl bread for extra flavor or added sliced bananas with the berries. If I want it even richer, I mix a bit of sweetened condensed milk into the custard. For a lighter version, I use reduced-fat cream cheese and almond milk—it still turns out great.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for about a minute or in the oven at 300°F until heated through. It also freezes well—I wrap individual portions and thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, I often use frozen berries—no need to thaw them first. I just toss them right in and bake as usual.

What’s the best bread for this recipe?

I like using brioche or challah because they’re soft and rich, but any sturdy bread like French or sourdough will work.

Can I make this without cream cheese?

Definitely. I’ve made it without cream cheese, and it’s still delicious. It just won’t have that creamy swirl, but the custard and berries shine on their own.

How do I know it’s done baking?

I check that the top is golden and the center is set (not too jiggly). If I’m unsure, I insert a knife in the middle—if it comes out mostly clean, it’s ready.

Can I prep this more than one night in advance?

Yes, I’ve prepped it up to 24 hours ahead. I just keep it tightly covered in the fridge until I’m ready to bake.

Conclusion

Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole is one of those make-ahead breakfasts that feels fancy but is secretly super easy. The mix of soft bread, sweet custard, and juicy berries with creamy touches makes it a standout dish every time I serve it. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a holiday morning, this casserole always brings warmth and flavor to the table.