Overnight Berry Bliss Baked French Toast
This Overnight Berry Bliss Baked French Toast is the ultimate sleepover delight, perfect for gatherings and special mornings. Layered with decadent bread cubes soaked in a rich egg mixture and dotted with sweet, chewy raisins or dried apricots, this dish bakes to golden perfection. Serve it with a warm drizzle of maple syrup and a side of fresh fruit or seasonal berries for a colorful brunch that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Prepare it the night before for an easy, hassle-free breakfast that will undoubtedly become a tradition for all your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian or French bread
1 loaf (Cut into 1-inch slices, then into cubes.)
Eggs
8 (Beaten thoroughly.)
Milk
2 cups (None.)
Maple syrup
1/2 cup (None.)
Vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (None.)
Golden raisins or dried apricots (optional)
1/2 cup (Scattered on top of bread.)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cut the Italian or French bread into 1-inch slices, then cube them into bite-sized pieces.
2
2. Spread the bread cubes evenly on a large cookie sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the bread is dry and lightly golden. This step can be done ahead of time by leaving the bread out to stale if desired.
3
3. Grease a 9x13-inch glass baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Layer the toasted bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish, making sure to fill in the spaces for an even bake.
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4. If desired, scatter golden raisins or snipped dried apricots evenly over the bread cubes.
5
5. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly beat together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, using a spatula to press down gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
6
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for a minimum of 4 hours to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture.
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7. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
8
8. Uncover the dish and sprinkle the top with cinnamon for an added touch of flavor.
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9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and lightly browned on top. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
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10. Cut into 12 squares and serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a side of fresh sliced fruit or summer berries.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Overnight Berry Bliss Baked French Toast?
It is a prepared-ahead breakfast casserole made with cubed Italian or French bread soaked in a rich egg and milk custard, then baked until golden.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Italian or French bread is recommended for the best texture.
How should I prepare the bread?
Cut the loaf into 1-inch slices and then further cube them into bite-sized pieces.
Is toasting the bread necessary?
Yes, toasting the bread cubes at 300°F for 10 minutes helps them dry out so they can better absorb the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
Can I use stale bread instead of toasting it?
Yes, you can leave the bread cubes out to become stale ahead of time as an alternative to oven-toasting.
What size baking dish do I need?
A 9x13-inch glass baking dish is required for this recipe.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, grease the dish with butter or non-stick spray before adding the bread cubes.
What are the ingredients in the custard mixture?
The custard consists of 8 beaten eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Can I add dried fruit to the French toast?
Yes, you can scatter 1/2 cup of golden raisins or snipped dried apricots over the bread cubes before adding the liquid.
How do I ensure the bread is fully soaked?
After pouring the egg mixture over the bread, use a spatula to press down gently on the cubes.
How long does the French toast need to refrigerate?
It should be refrigerated for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight is preferred for the best results.
How should I cover the dish in the refrigerator?
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh while soaking.
At what temperature should I bake the French toast?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
Should the dish be at room temperature before baking?
Yes, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes after removing it from the fridge.
Do I bake it covered or uncovered?
The French toast should be baked uncovered.
Can I add spices to the top?
Yes, it is recommended to sprinkle the top with cinnamon before putting it in the oven.
How long does the baking process take?
It typically takes between 40 to 45 minutes to bake.
How can I tell when the French toast is done?
The dish is ready when it is puffed up and the top is lightly browned.
How long should it rest after baking?
Let the French toast stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes approximately 12 squares.
What are the best toppings for serving?
Serve it with a warm drizzle of maple syrup and fresh fruit or seasonal berries.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch gathering?
Absolutely, its make-ahead nature and large yield make it perfect for gatherings and special mornings.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
The specific nutritional information like calories and fat is not provided in the current recipe data.
Can I use different types of milk?
While the recipe calls for standard milk, you can likely substitute it with your preferred dairy or non-dairy alternative.
Is there any preparation for the eggs?
The 8 eggs should be thoroughly beaten before being mixed with the other liquid ingredients.
What kind of fruit is suggested as a side?
Fresh sliced fruit or summer berries are recommended.
Can I make this the same day I want to eat it?
Yes, as long as you allow at least 4 hours for the bread to soak in the refrigerator.
What makes this a 'Bliss' recipe?
The combination of decadent bread, sweet maple custard, and dried fruits creates a rich and delightful breakfast experience.
How do I cut the dried apricots?
The recipe suggests snipping the dried apricots into smaller pieces before scattering them.
Can I use this for a holiday breakfast?
Yes, its ease of preparation and festive appearance make it an excellent choice for traditions and holidays.