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Overnight French Toast Casserole with Berries

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This easy make-ahead French toast casserole combines custard-soaked bread with sweet berries and a crunchy streusel topping. Prep it the night before for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast with minimal morning effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (14–16 oz) challah, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old preferred)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2–2 1/2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen; blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries; slice larger berries)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (or vegan butter)
  • Additional berries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. If fresh, let sit out for a few hours or toast lightly.
  2. Lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Layer half the bread cubes in the dish, sprinkle half the berries, then repeat with remaining bread and berries.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  5. Pour custard evenly over bread and berries. Press down gently to soak.
  6. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate at least 8 hours (overnight).
  7. In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold butter and rub together until coarse crumbs form. Refrigerate topping until ready to bake.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Let casserole sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle streusel topping over casserole. Add extra berries if desired.
  10. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and custard is set. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  11. Let cool 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup.

Notes

Use day-old or lightly toasted bread for best texture. Frozen berries work well; no need to thaw. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk, cream, and butter. Let casserole rest after baking for clean slices. For a crispier top, broil briefly at the end. Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight french toast casserole, berries, breakfast, brunch, make-ahead, easy, crowd-pleaser, holiday, comfort food

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/overnight-french-toast-casserole-with-berries-easy-make-ahead-recipe/