Name: Berry French Toast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-14 cups French bread, cubed; 8 large eggs; 2 cups 2% milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 1 cup strawberries, sliced; 1/2 cup blueberries; 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting; Maple syrup, to serve

If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast recipe that’s both stunning and comforting, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Berry French Toast Bake Recipe. I absolutely love how it combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with a burst of fresh berries, all tucked into this easy French toast casserole. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want a make-ahead treat for your family, this bake is pure magic. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for more!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep this berry French toast bake the night before, making mornings stress-free and delicious.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet berries, warm cinnamon, and vanilla come together to create a breakfast everyone raves about.
Feeds a Crowd: This casserole is great for family gatherings or brunch with friends — it serves around 12 happily.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you want it fruit-forward or with a little extra sweetness, this recipe adapts effortlessly.

A white plate holds a single slice of a layered dessert with a soft, browned bread or pastry base topped with fresh strawberry slices and whole blueberries scattered evenly. The dessert is sprinkled with powdered sugar and has a shiny syrup drizzled over it, pooling slightly around the edges. Behind the plate, a white baking dish filled with the same dessert is visible, along with a glass bowl containing whole strawberries. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a fork placed next to the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Berry French Toast Bake, breakfast casserole with berries, easy French toast bake, make-ahead brunch recipes, cinnamon berry breakfast

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Berry French Toast Bake Recipe, you’ll grab simple ingredients that blend perfectly for a light, yet indulgent breakfast. Each one plays a key role — from the sturdy French bread soaking up the custard to the fresh berries adding a tangy pop.

Flat lay of a large pile of cubed French bread, eight whole uncracked brown eggs neatly arranged, a small white bowl of 2% milk, a small white bowl filled with golden brown sugar, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, a handful of fresh sliced strawberries arranged flat, a handful of plump blueberries, a small white bowl with fine white powdered sugar, and a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Berry French Toast Bake, breakfast casserole with berries, easy French toast bake, make-ahead brunch recipes, cinnamon berry breakfast

French bread: I prefer a day-old or slightly stale loaf — it soaks up the custard beautifully without getting mushy.
Eggs: Large eggs work best for that rich custard base that ties everything together.
2% milk: Gives the bake a creamy texture — whole milk works too if you want it richer.
Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet aroma and depth; don’t skip it!
Cinnamon: Go for ground cinnamon for that warm, comforting spice.
Brown sugar: This adds a subtle caramel flavor that I find really elevates the dish.
Strawberries: Slice them just before topping for maximum freshness and vibrant color.
Blueberries: Use fresh or frozen, but fresh really adds that juicy burst.
Powdered sugar: A light dusting on top after baking adds a lovely touch of sweetness and looks pretty.
Maple syrup: Serve generously — we’re talking classic pairing here for that perfect sweet finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible the Berry French Toast Bake Recipe is — you can make it your own easily, depending on what you have on hand or dietary needs. Playing around with add-ins and toppings keeps it exciting every time.

Berry Mix: I often swap in raspberries or blackberries for a different berry focus, depending on what’s freshest at the market.
Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk; I’ve had great success keeping the custard creamy and delicious.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking — my family goes crazy for the texture contrast.
Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg along with cinnamon amps up the warm spice notes beautifully.

How to Make Berry French Toast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Casserole

Start by greasing a 9″x13″ casserole dish with either vegetable oil or butter; I like butter for that extra flavor. Next, cut your French bread into roughly 1-inch cubes — the size matters because smaller cubes soak up custard too much and get mushy. Fill the casserole about three-quarters full with these bread cubes. You’ll find this layering sets the stage perfectly for the soak and bake.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2/3 cup brown sugar until everything is well combined. This custard mixture is what makes your French toast bake rich and flavorful. Make sure to whisk thoroughly so the sugar and cinnamon are evenly distributed — uneven spots can cause clumps or overly sweet bites, which I learned during my first try!

Step 3: Combine and Layer Berries

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in your casserole, gently pressing the bread down with a spatula to ensure it soaks in well. Then, slice your fresh strawberries and sprinkle them along with the blueberries on top of the soaked bread mixture. The berries add freshness and color, plus they burst with sweetness during baking. Cover the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 50 minutes — start checking around 35 minutes to avoid overbaking. The top should be golden and slightly crispy, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. After taking it out, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes the bake look irresistible. Serve it warm with plenty of maple syrup — I make sure to have a small pitcher on the table for everyone to drizzle just how they like.

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Pro Tips for Making Berry French Toast Bake Recipe

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread will turn soggy and fall apart; I learned to use bread that’s a day or two old to get the perfect texture.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the assembled bake overnight gives time for the bread to absorb the custard and flavor, which makes all the difference.
Watch the Bake Time: Start checking the bake at 35 minutes—overbaking dries it out, and underbaking leaves it soggy.
Fresh Berries Last: Add berries right before baking instead of mixing them into the custard to keep their shape and fresh flavor intact.

How to Serve Berry French Toast Bake Recipe

Berry French Toast Bake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love to finish this French toast bake with a scattering of powdered sugar and a handful of fresh berries on top for that pretty, inviting look. Sometimes, I add a dollop of whipped cream or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt, which gives a tangy balance to the sweetness and makes it feel a bit special.

Side Dishes

To round out breakfast, I often serve this casserole alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a salty-sweet combo. A simple green salad with a light lemon dressing also pairs surprisingly well if you want something fresh on the side. For a brunch party, add seasonal fruit salad and freshly brewed coffee — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions like Mother’s Day or holiday brunch, I’ve tried serving this Berry French Toast Bake Recipe in individual ramekins topped with edible flowers and a drizzle of honey instead of syrup. It’s such a charming way to impress your guests while keeping things simple in the kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this bake stash nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I like to slice it into portions before storing — it makes reheating so much easier during busy mornings.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this French toast bake successfully by wrapping individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave. Though fresh is best, freezing is a lifesaver when you want a ready-made breakfast waiting for you!

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I prefer the oven over the microwave to maintain that crisp top layer. Setting the oven to 325°F and heating for about 15 minutes does the trick. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the slice with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for the Berry French Toast Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! While French bread is ideal because of its sturdy texture that soaks custard well without falling apart, you can also use challah, brioche, or even a hearty country loaf. Just make sure it’s not too fresh or dense so it can absorb the custard properly.
How long can I refrigerate the French toast bake before baking?

You can refrigerate the assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking. This resting time lets the custard soak deeply, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. Just keep it tightly covered to prevent the bread from drying out.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the milk for unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or another dairy-free alternative. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious. Just be mindful that some non-dairy milks are thinner, so consider using a slightly thicker variety like canned coconut milk for a richer custard.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy French toast bake?

Using day-old bread and allowing the casserole to rest overnight in the fridge helps the custard soak evenly without becoming mushy. Also, don’t overcrowd the casserole dish — leave some space to allow air circulation and even baking. Finally, keep an eye on bake time, checking at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh berries tend to hold their shape better and provide a brighter flavor. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Berry French Toast Bake Recipe has earned its spot as a go-to in my kitchen, especially for those mornings when I want something comforting that practically makes itself. The mix of warm custard-soaked bread with fresh berries is a combination that never fails to make my family smile. I’m excited for you to try it and discover just how easy and rewarding a baked French toast can be — it really turns weekend brunch into something special.