Indulge in the ultimate breakfast comfort with this 'Berry Good French Toast Bake,' a decadent yet easy-to-make dish perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings. This delightful casserole combines fluffy, custard-soaked French bread with bursts of juicy mixed berries, all baked to golden perfection. Infused with warm hints of vanilla and cinnamon, every bite delivers a medley of sweet and tangy flavors. Prep it the night before for a stress-free morning, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, this make-ahead French toast bake is a crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and evenly spread half of the bread cubes in the greased baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the mixed berries over the bread layer.
Add the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the berries, ensuring an even distribution.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing down lightly to ensure the bread soaks up the liquid.
Drizzle the melted butter over the surface of the casserole.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for a stronger flavor.
Bake, covered, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup.
Calories |
4762 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.4 g | 201% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.0 g | 410% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1477 mg | 492% | |
| Sodium | 3554 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 729.6 g | 265% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.2 g | 83% | |
| Total Sugars | 466.9 g | ||
| Protein | 94.9 g | 190% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.4 mcg | 57% | |
| Calcium | 1112 mg | 86% | |
| Iron | 20.4 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 2618 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.