Try This Dreamy Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole Recipe

Sweet berries dancing amid layers of creamy, custardy bread refine this classic breakfast casserole into a morning masterpiece.

French toast casserole offers a delightful twist on traditional breakfast fare, promising indulgence in every decadent bite.

Soft, pillowy bread absorbs a rich custard mixture that elevates this dish beyond ordinary morning meals.

Bright bursts of seasonal fruit complement the luxurious cream cheese filling, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Delicate herbs and a hint of vanilla enhance the morning’s most anticipated dish, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Weekend brunch enthusiasts will adore this make-ahead marvel that simplifies morning cooking while delivering maximum deliciousness.

Elegant yet approachable, this recipe guarantees smiles around the breakfast table.

Why Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole Wins Hearts

• Indulge in Luxurious Layers: Discover a breakfast masterpiece that combines soft bread, creamy cheese filling, and burst of fresh berries in every single bite. Each layer promises a delightful texture and flavor combination that elevates traditional French toast.
• Effortless Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast: This casserole requires minimal prep work and can feed a large group without standing over a hot stove flipping individual pieces. Perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or special morning celebrations where you want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Make-Ahead Morning Magic: Prepare the entire dish the night before and simply pop it in the oven when you wake up. The recipe allows for stress-free entertaining, giving you more time to enjoy with loved ones while a delicious breakfast bakes to golden perfection.

Ingredients List for French Toast with Berries & Cream

• White Bread or Brioche: Soft, slightly stale bread perfect for soaking up custard and creating layers.
• Challah Bread: Rich, eggy bread with a tender texture that adds extra decadence to the casserole.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy base for filling that provides creamy richness.
• Eggs: Binding agent for filling and custard, adding structure and protein.
• Half and Half, Whole Milk: Creates silky, luxurious custard with rich flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aromatic flavor to enhance other ingredients.

• Mixed Berries: Fresh or frozen seasonal berries adding bright, natural sweetness and color.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances flavors and helps caramelize the top of the casserole.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements berry and bread flavors.
• Powdered Sugar: Delicate finishing touch for sweet decoration.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Butter or Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and adds light richness to the pan.

How to Make Berries and Cream French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9 inch rectangular baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the First Bread Layer

Arrange 8 bread slices in a single, neat layer covering the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

• Sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture

Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread layer, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.

Step 5: Prepare the Berry Topping

In a separate bowl, gently mix berries with sugar. Sprinkle the berry mixture over the cream cheese layer.

Step 6: Add the Top Bread Layer

Place the remaining 8 bread slices on top of the berries, pressing down gently.

Step 7: Create the Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Milk
• Half and half

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 8: Soak the Casserole

Slowly pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole. Use the back of a spoon to press down, helping the bread absorb the liquid.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top turns golden and the center sets completely.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 10-20 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar. Cut into generous portions and serve warm.

Helpful Tips for Stuffed French Toast Casserole

• Chill Cream Cheese First: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.
• Layer Bread Strategically: Overlap bread slices slightly to create a perfect base that absorbs the egg mixture evenly.
• Choose Fresh Berries: Select ripe, seasonal berries for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
• Press Gently: Softly press bread down while adding egg mixture to help it soak up all the delicious custard.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

Storing and Reheating French Toast Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before storing to prevent soggy texture.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. This method helps maintain the casserole's original texture and keeps the edges crispy.
• Microwave Option: Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of milk to prevent dryness and restore moisture to the bread layers.

What to Serve with Berries & Cream Casserole

• Brew the Perfect Morning Companion: Pair this indulgent French toast casserole with a smooth, medium-roast coffee that complements the sweet berry flavors. The rich, slightly nutty coffee notes will balance the creamy texture and enhance the breakfast experience.
• Sip a Fruity Breakfast Beverage: Serve a chilled mixed berry smoothie alongside the casserole. The fresh, tangy smoothie will echo the berry filling and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
• Create a Sweet Side Harmony: Add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top of the warm casserole. The cold, creamy ice cream will melt slightly, creating a decadent sauce that amplifies the dessert-like qualities of the breakfast.
• Elevate with Maple Magic: Drizzle high-quality pure maple syrup over the casserole just before serving. The deep, caramel-like sweetness of real maple syrup will complement the berries and cream, adding another layer of indulgent flavor.

French Toast Casserole Variations

• Berry Bonanza Blast: Swap mixed berries with tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and passion fruit for a vibrant island-inspired breakfast casserole that brings sunshine to your morning.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Add chocolate chips between bread layers and mix cocoa powder into cream cheese filling for a decadent chocolate version that satisfies serious sweet cravings.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between layers and drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking, creating a rich, textured breakfast experience with deep, complex flavors.
• Seasonal Spice Special: Replace vanilla with almond extract and add pumpkin pie spice to create an autumn-inspired version that captures cozy seasonal warmth and comforting aromas.

Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent berries & cream stuffed French toast casserole brings classic breakfast comfort to new heights. Layers of rich bread, creamy cheese, and juicy berries combine for a luxurious morning treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 loaf bread (16 ounces / 454 grams), sliced into 16 slices
• 7 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (240 milliliters)
• 1 cup half and half (240 milliliters)

Berries:

• ½ cup blackberries (75 grams)
• ½ cup blueberries (75 grams)
• ½ cup raspberries (75 grams)

Seasonings and Additional Components:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup + ½ tablespoon granulated sugar (65 grams)
• Powdered sugar (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 13×9 rectangular pan with grease, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Create the first bread foundation by carefully arranging 8 bread slices in a uniform single layer across the pan’s bottom.
3. Craft the cream cheese filling by whipping softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it becomes airy and voluminous, approximately 3 minutes.
4. Enhance the cream cheese mixture by incorporating sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, blending until the texture becomes silky and uniform.
5. Distribute the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bread layer, using a spatula to achieve smooth, consistent coverage.
6. Gently toss fresh berries with remaining sugar, creating a lightly sweetened fruit layer.
7. Scatter the sugared berries atop the cream cheese filling, ensuring balanced distribution.
8. Complete the layering process by placing the remaining 8 bread slices over the berry layer, applying gentle pressure to compact the ingredients.
9. Prepare the liquid mixture by whisking eggs, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until thoroughly combined.
10. Gradually introduce milk and half and half into the egg mixture, stirring gently to create a smooth, homogeneous liquid.
11. Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the casserole, using the back of a spoon to help bread absorb the liquid completely.
12. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the casserole sets and develops a golden-brown surface.
13. Allow the casserole to rest for 10-20 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and texture to stabilize.
14. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar and serving warm, revealing the luscious layers within.

Notes

• Make ahead magic saves precious morning time by preparing this casserole the night before and refrigerating overnight.
• Softening cream cheese completely ensures a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads beautifully across bread layers.
• Choose sturdy bread like brioche or challah to prevent soggy texture and maintain delightful structure during baking.
• Room temperature eggs blend more evenly into the milk mixture, creating a silky custard that soaks perfectly into bread.
• Fresh or frozen berries work wonderfully, allowing seasonal flexibility and year-round breakfast excitement.
• Covering the casserole with foil during the first 30 minutes prevents excessive browning while ensuring even cooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg