Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole

Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole: A Delightful Brunch Treat

Looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that feels indulgent yet effortless? This Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead meal for weekend mornings, family gatherings, or special occasions. With layers of creamy, sweetened cream cheese, fresh mixed berries, and soft, custardy bread, this casserole offers all the deliciousness of stuffed French toast without the hassle of individual servings. Whether you’re hosting brunch or enjoying a cozy morning at home, this casserole is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the classic comfort of French toast with a luxurious twist—it’s stuffed with a sweetened cream cheese filling and bursting with juicy berries. The casserole bakes up golden and fluffy, with the tangy cream cheese and fresh fruit adding delightful texture and flavor. The best part? You can prep this casserole ahead of time, making it ideal for busy mornings when you still want to serve something special.

Ingredients

For the French Toast Casserole:

• 1 loaf bread (16 ounces), sliced into 16 slices
• 7 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup half and half
• Powdered sugar (for garnish)

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup + 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup raspberries

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch rectangular baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Bottom Layer of Bread

Arrange 8 slices of bread in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. If needed, trim the slices slightly to fit the pan snugly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese Layer and Berries

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom layer of bread slices using a spatula. In a separate bowl, toss the blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of sugar. Scatter the sugared berries over the cream cheese layer, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 5: Add the Top Layer of Bread

Arrange the remaining 8 slices of bread on top of the berries, gently pressing them down to slightly flatten the layers.

Step 6: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 7 large eggs, ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk and half and half until smooth.

Step 7: Pour the Egg Mixture Over the Casserole

Slowly and evenly pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring all the bread slices are thoroughly soaked. Gently press down on the bread with the back of a spoon or spatula to help it absorb the custard mixture.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is fully set, golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Let It Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to firm up for easier slicing.

Step 10: Garnish and Enjoy

Before serving, dust the top of the casserole with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve warm, and enjoy the delicious layers of creamy filling, sweet berries, and custardy French toast. For an extra treat, serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

This Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole is perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a side of sausage, and a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you’re serving a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger baking dish.

Recipe Notes

• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
• Customization: Feel free to switch up the berries based on what’s in season, or substitute with frozen berries if fresh aren’t available. You can also add sliced bananas or thinly sliced apples for extra fruitiness.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: 400 kcal per serving

Final Thoughts

This Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole is a show-stopping breakfast dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. With its creamy, sweet filling and bursts of berry flavor, it’s the perfect combination of indulgence and freshness. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just treating yourself and your family to a special weekend breakfast, this casserole is a winner. Enjoy the decadence with every bite!

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