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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Berries

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A quick and easy overnight French toast casserole featuring a rich cream cheese custard and fresh or frozen berries, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 12 oz / 340 g) sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or thick-cut French bread (day-old works best)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or milk of choice (2% recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (225 g) mixed berries (fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Cut the loaf into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, toast cubes lightly in oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes to dry out. Let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, soften cream cheese with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth. Add eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Beat until fully combined.
  3. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, mixing until custard is silky and smooth with no lumps.
  4. Place bread cubes in a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle mixed berries evenly over the top. Gently fold berries into bread with a spatula without smashing.
  5. Pour custard mixture evenly over bread and berries, pressing down lightly so bread soaks up liquid. Cover with plastic wrap or foil.
  6. Refrigerate covered overnight for 8-12 hours to allow custard to absorb and flavors to meld.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove cover and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown and custard is set (knife inserted should come out clean). Tent with foil halfway if top browns too quickly.
  8. Let casserole cool slightly for about 10 minutes before serving. Top with powdered sugar and maple syrup if desired.

Notes

Use day-old or lightly toasted sturdy bread to prevent sogginess. Gently fold berries to avoid breaking them. Tent casserole with foil halfway through baking if top browns too fast. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute milk, cream, cream cheese, and bread accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, overnight breakfast, berry casserole, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, custard bake

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