Description

An easy, stress-free breakfast casserole where bread soaks in a rich custard overnight with mixed berries, resulting in a soft, pudding-like texture with a crispy golden top.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf sturdy bread (brioche, challah, or thick-cut sourdough), cut into 1-inch cubes
6 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
Pinch of salt
Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

Prepare the bread by cutting it into 1-inch cubes and distributing them evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until uniform.
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to ensure every piece is submerged in the liquid.
Add the mixed berries on top of the bread.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes while the oven heats.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and puffed, and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best results to prevent mushiness. Frozen berries work well and release more juice. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. For a gluten-free option, use sturdy gluten-free bread. For dairy-free, swap milk/cream for oat/almond milk and butter for coconut oil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 375
Sugar: 24
Sodium: 250
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 11
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 2
Protein: 10

Keywords: make ahead french toast, berry casserole, breakfast casserole, weekend brunch, easy breakfast, overnight french toast, brioche french toast