Description

Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a rich and comforting breakfast dish that layers cubed bread soaked in a creamy, vanilla and cinnamon-infused custard with cream cheese and fresh mixed berries, baked until golden brown. Perfect for brunch gatherings or special weekend breakfasts, this casserole is easy to prepare ahead and customizable to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 12–14-ounce loaf French bread, sourdough bread, or challah
8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups fresh mixed berries (blueberries, blackberries, sliced strawberries)
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
Optional for serving: confectioners’ sugar, strawberry topping, maple syrup

Instructions

Slice the bread into 1-inch cubes and let them sit uncovered at room temperature for a few hours to dry out, or toast at 300°F for 10 minutes if short on time.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and spread half the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the bread cubes, then sprinkle most of the mixed berries over the cream cheese layer, reserving some berries.
Top with the remaining bread cubes evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and the remaining vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, pressing gently to soak all pieces.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
Let cool a few minutes, then dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm with optional toppings like maple syrup, strawberry topping, or fresh berries.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread for better absorption and texture.
Allow bread to dry sufficiently to avoid sogginess.
Do not over-soak the bread to prevent mushy casserole.
Customize sweetness and toppings to taste.
Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for longer storage.
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 3-4 hours soaking or overnight)
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 290mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 190mg

Keywords: Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole, French toast casserole, berry breakfast casserole, cream cheese casserole, brunch recipes