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Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole

Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole
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Indulge in the creamy, berry-filled delight of Berries & Cream French Toast Casserole. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a festive holiday gathering. With layers of fluffy bread soaked in a rich custard infused with cream cheese and fresh berries, it’s a breakfast treat that will impress your family and friends. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free morning, and serve it warm with your favorite toppings like whipped cream or maple syrup. This comforting casserole brings the classic taste of French toast to the next level, making every bite a joyful experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (12–14-ounce) loaf French bread, sourdough bread, or challah
  • 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 Tablespoons (15g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, divided
  • 2 cups (280–300g) fresh mixed berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and sliced strawberries
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup (133g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • optional for serving: confectioners’ sugar, strawberry topping, and/or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Slice and cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Aim for around 12 cups of cubed bread; adjustments are fine.
  2. For best results, let the bread cubes sit uncovered at room temperature for several hours or up to a day to dry out. If short on time, spread the chunks on a lined baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 10 minutes.
  3. Grease your baking pan with nonstick spray.
  4. Spread half of the bread cubes into the prepared pan.
  5. In a mixing bowl fitted with a mixer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth.
  6. Add confectioners' sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; mix until combined.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes.
  8. Top with most of the berries (save some for later), followed by the remaining bread cubes. Add reserved berries on top.
  9. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and remaining vanilla extract until well mixed.
  10. Pour this mixture evenly over all layers in your baking pan.
  11. Cover tightly with plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours or overnight if possible.
  12. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
  13. Remove your pan from refrigeration.
  14. Bake uncovered for about 45–55 minutes until golden brown on top—bake shorter if you prefer it softer.
  15. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving; add toppings like strawberry sauce or maple syrup if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Use stale bread for better absorption of the custard mixture. Feel free to mix up the berries based on what's in season or your personal preference.

Find it online: https://yumeasyrecipes.com/berries-cream-french-toast-casserole/