If you’re looking for a Christmas breakfast recipe, a decadent French toast casserole for brunch, or a festive dish for any holiday, this Berry French Toast Casserole is the perfect choice! Made with fluffy bread, sweet berries, and a rich, custard-like base, this dish is easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection.

Whether you’re serving it for Christmas brunch, a Halloween fest, or a weekend family breakfast, this toast casserole is sure to impress! Plus, you can prepare it the night before, making it an effortless and delicious way to start the day.

Why You’ll Love This Berry French Toast Casserole

Perfect for Holidays & Gatherings – Great for Christmas breakfast, brunch, or special occasions.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it the night before for an easy morning meal.
Loaded with Flavor – A delicious mix of sweet berries, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Soft & Custardy Inside, Crisp Outside – The perfect balance of textures.
Customizable – Swap berries, add nuts, or drizzle with maple syrup!

Ingredients for Berry French Toast Casserole

For the Casserole:

1 loaf (14-16 oz) French bread or brioche, cut into cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups (480ml) whole milk
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (150g) mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

For the Streusel Topping:

½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted

For Serving (Optional):

Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Whipped cream

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this breakfast recipes casserole, you’ll need:

Mixing bowls
Whisk
9×13-inch baking dish
Knife & cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Berry French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Bread & Berries

Cut the French bread or brioche into bite-sized cubes.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the bread cubes evenly.
Sprinkle half of the mixed berries over the bread. Add the remaining bread and top with the rest of the berries.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing down gently to absorb.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 4: Refrigerate or Bake

Overnight Option: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Bake Immediately: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp on top.
Let cool for 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup or whipped cream.

Expert Tips for the Best Berry French Toast Casserole

Use stale bread – Day-old bread absorbs the custard better without getting soggy.
Make it extra crispy – Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Add a crunchy topping – Sprinkle with chopped pecans or almonds.
For a richer taste – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
Customize the fruit – Use bananas, peaches, or apples instead of berries.

Fun Variations of Berry French Toast Casserole

Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist.
Nutty Crunch Topping – Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel.
Lemon Berry Delight – Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a citrusy kick.

How to Store & Keep Your French Toast Casserole Fresh

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

Serve on a festive platter for Christmas brunch.
Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for a beautiful finish.
Pair with crispy bacon or sausage for a balanced meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making French Toast Casserole

Using fresh bread – It will turn mushy; use slightly stale bread for the best texture.
Skipping the soak time – Let the bread absorb the custard for at least 4 hours.
Overbaking – The casserole should be soft but not dry; check at 40 minutes.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Berry French Toast Casserole

Fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Mimosas or hot coffee for a brunch-worthy pairing.
Greek yogurt with granola for added protein.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this casserole without dairy?
Yes! Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of dairy.

2. Can I prepare this the morning of instead of overnight?
Yes! Let the bread soak for at least 30 minutes before baking.

3. Can I use frozen berries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Berry French Toast Casserole is the ultimate Christmas breakfast recipe—sweet, fluffy, and bursting with berry flavor! Whether you’re making it for Christmas brunch, a holiday gathering, or a cozy family breakfast, this toast casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Try this French toast casserole today and let us know how it turned out! Tag us on social media and subscribe for more breakfast recipes casserole ideas!