Dessert

Berry French Toast Casserole Recipe

ByHarry Bern January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Introduction

This Berry French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on classic French toast, layered with fresh strawberries and blueberries. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, it combines fluffy bread soaking in a rich custard with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping.

The image shows a thick slice of berry bread pudding on a white plate with a detailed edge. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is soft bread soaked in custard with bits of red and blue berries, the middle layer has baked bread pieces in pale yellow with some reddish berry juice soaking parts, and the top layer is a golden brown crumbly streusel with cinnamon and sugar, dotted with more blueberries and raspberries. The pudding is drizzled with maple syrup pooling slightly at the base. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth underneath, and fresh halved strawberries and whole blueberries are scattered nearby. Behind, there is a white bowl filled with bright red strawberries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb loaf sourdough or French bread
1 ½ cups (195g) blueberries
1 lb strawberries, washed, hulled, and chopped
8 large eggs
2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
½ cup (104g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar
2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (112g) butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cut the bread into 1-inch chunks. Combine bread chunks and fruit, then spread in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared dish.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well blended.
Step 4: Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and fruit, making sure all pieces are soaked. Cover the casserole and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Step 5: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6: To make the streusel, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Add butter pieces and cut them into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Step 7: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked casserole, covering as much surface as possible.
Step 8: Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. For softer texture, bake closer to 45 minutes; for a firmer texture, bake longer.
Step 9: Serve warm with syrup, powdered sugar, or extra fresh fruit as desired.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old bread for the best texture as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
Swap the berries for your favorite fruits like peaches or apples for a different flavor.
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk.
If you prefer a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top with the streusel.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.