Description
Berry Bliss French Toast Casserole brings a luxurious breakfast experience straight from French culinary traditions. Layers of rich bread, sweet berries, and creamy custard create a morning masterpiece you cannot resist enjoying with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 16-ounce (454 grams) loaf bread, sliced into 16 pieces
- 7 large eggs
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (75 grams) blackberries
- ½ cup (75 grams) blueberries
- ½ cup (75 grams) raspberries
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) half-and-half
- ¼ cup + ½ tablespoon (55 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare a 13 × 9-inch baking dish by thoroughly coating the interior with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange the first layer of bread slices across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform base that will absorb the creamy mixture.
- Delicately spread the cream cheese mixture over each bread slice, ensuring a smooth, even layer that will provide rich, tangy flavor to the casserole.
- Gently tumble fresh berries with granulated sugar, allowing them to macerate and release their natural juices, then distribute evenly across the cream cheese layer.
- Carefully place the second layer of bread slices atop the berry mixture, creating a delectable sandwich-like structure.
- In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together large eggs, ground cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, a pinch of kosher salt, whole milk, and half-and-half until the mixture is perfectly blended and slightly frothy.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, using gentle pressure to ensure each slice absorbs the liquid thoroughly, creating a custardy texture.
- Transfer the casserole to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns a golden-brown color.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes, which helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
- Just before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet finish that enhances the casserole’s visual appeal and flavor.
Notes
- Cold leftovers taste surprisingly delicious when reheated in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and freshness in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate to save morning preparation time.
- Swap mixed berries for seasonal fruits like peaches, cherries, or diced apples for unique flavor variations.
- Dairy-free alternatives work well by substituting cream cheese with coconut cream and using almond or oat milk.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or using whole grain bread for extra fiber.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 75mg