Creamy Baked French Toast Casserole with Fresh Berries
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Baked French Toast Casserole, a perfect centerpiece for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. This recipe features luscious layers of day-old French bread soaked in a rich custard made with eggs, vanilla, and whole milk. Overnight soaking ensures a fluffy texture that puffs beautifully when baked. Topped with a sweet cinnamon crumble and an assortment of vibrant berries, this dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup, for the ultimate breakfast experience!
N/A
Servings
312
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
French bread
1 (small loaf, sliced)
Eggs
5 (lightly beaten)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (granulated)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Whole milk
2 1/2 cups
Flour
1/4 cup
Brown sugar
6 tablespoons (packed)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Butter
1/4 cup (cold, cut into pieces)
Blueberries
1 cup (fresh)
Strawberries
1 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by lightly greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2
Slice the day-old French bread into 3/4-inch thick slices and arrange them snugly in the greased pan, ensuring an even layer.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4
Gradually stir in the whole milk to create a smooth custard mixture.
5
Carefully pour the custard over the layered bread slices, making sure each piece is soaked. Gently turn the slices over to ensure even coating.
6
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard.
7
The next morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add to the mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients, forming a crumbly topping.
9
After soaking, remove the pan from the fridge and carefully flip the bread slices over again for even soaking. Scatter the blueberries and sliced strawberries evenly over the top of the bread.
10
Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the berries and bread.
11
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up and golden brown.
12
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a drizzle of maple syrup!
Nutrition Information
16
Fat
40
Carbs
7.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked French Toast Casserole?
It is a breakfast dish made of day-old French bread soaked in an egg custard, topped with berries and a cinnamon crumble, then baked.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
A small loaf of day-old French bread sliced into 3/4-inch thick slices is ideal for absorbing the custard.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
The recipe calls for 5 lightly beaten eggs.
What kind of milk should I use?
Whole milk is recommended to create a rich and smooth custard.
How much milk is needed?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of whole milk.
Do I need to soak the bread overnight?
Yes, refrigerating the casserole overnight ensures the bread is fully soaked and results in a fluffy texture.
What is the baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
What berries are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of fresh blueberries and 1 cup of sliced strawberries.
How do I prepare the pan?
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
What ingredients are in the crumb topping?
The topping consists of flour, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter.
How much cinnamon is in the topping?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for the crumble.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It should bake for 35-40 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 312 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
Each serving contains about 16 grams of fat.
What is the protein content?
There are 7.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size should the bread slices be?
The French bread should be sliced into 3/4-inch thick pieces.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
How much sugar is in the custard?
The custard uses 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
What is the amount of brown sugar for the topping?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
How much butter is needed for the crumble?
You need 1/4 cup of cold butter, cut into pieces.
Can I serve this with syrup?
Yes, it is recommended to serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
How do I ensure the bread is evenly soaked?
Turn the bread slices over when first adding the custard and again the next morning before baking.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe uses 11 ingredients.
What type of flour is used?
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is used for the crumb topping.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect centerpiece for brunch gatherings.
Can I use frozen berries?
While fresh are specified, frozen berries can be used, though they may release more moisture.
Should the butter for the topping be melted?
No, the butter should be cold and cut into pieces to create a crumbly texture.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The casserole is puffed up, golden brown, and features a creamy interior with a crunchy topping.
How do I mix the crumble topping?
Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub cold butter into the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.