Berries and Cream Overnight French Toast Bake is a delightful breakfast that combines soft, custardy bread with juicy berries and a creamy topping. Picture waking up to the sweet aroma of vanilla wafting through your home, enticing you to the kitchen for a morning treat that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. cheese and herb muffins strawberry cheesecake smoothie. For more inspiration, check out this strawberry shortcake recipe recipe.
Imagine gathering your family around the table, laughter filling the air as everyone digs into this heavenly dish. Perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, this recipe ticks all the boxes for comfort and joy. mini pecan pies With each bite, you’ll experience a medley of flavors that dance on your palate and leave you yearning for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Berries and Cream Overnight French Toast Bake offers effortless preparation while delivering an explosion of flavor.
- The colorful layers of berries create a visually stunning breakfast centerpiece.
- Enjoy it straight from the oven or reheat leftovers for a quick treat.
- Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts!
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this was when I made it for brunch last month.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Brioche Bread: A rich, soft loaf that soaks up the custard beautifully; you can also use challah.
- Fresh Berries: Use strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries; their natural sweetness elevates the dish. For more inspiration, check out this white chocolate strawberry truffles recipe.
- Eggs: Large eggs are essential for creating a fluffy custard base; they bind everything together perfectly.
- Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; feel free to substitute with almond milk if you’re dairy-free.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor; it brings warmth and depth to the bake.
- Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and spice; it’s like a hug in dessert form!
- Powdered Sugar: For serving; it adds an elegant touch and sweetness without being overpowering.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). blueberry butter swim biscuits Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Layers: Cut brioche bread into cubes and evenly layer them in the baking dish. Sprinkle fresh berries generously over the bread cubes, making sure each piece gets some fruity goodness.
Create the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined. This mixture should be smooth and creamy—like your favorite dream!
Pour Over Bread and Berries: Carefully pour the custard mixture over your layered bread and berries. Gently press down to ensure every piece is soaked in that sweet goodness.
Chill Overnight (If You Can Wait): Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This step helps all those flavors mingle beautifully—trust me; it’s worth it!
Bake to Perfection: In the morning (or whenever you’re ready), remove from fridge and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the middle.
Ready yourself for an aromatic explosion as this beauty bakes! Enjoy warm, dusted with powdered sugar and extra berries on top if you’re feeling fancy!
You Must Know
- The Berries and Cream Overnight French Toast Bake is a breakfast dream come true.
- It’s an easy, make-ahead dish that dazzles with vibrant flavors and textures, perfect for lazy weekends or special brunches.
- The aroma of vanilla and berries wafting through your kitchen will have everyone drooling.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the egg mixture while your bread soaks—this maximizes flavor absorption and ensures even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out berries for seasonal fruits or adding a splash of orange zest for extra zing.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Berries and Cream Overnight French Toast Bake in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best texture, use day-old bread; it absorbs more custard without getting soggy.
- If you prefer a sweeter dish, add maple syrup to the egg mixture.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some granola before baking for added texture and flavor.
The first time I made this recipe, my friends declared me a brunch wizard! Their compliments made my kitchen feel like a Michelin-star restaurant, creating lasting memories over plates full of berries and cream.
FAQ
Can I use frozen berries for the Berries and Cream Overnight French Toast Bake?
Yes, frozen berries work perfectly; just add them straight from the freezer.
How long should I let it sit before baking?
Let it sit overnight in the fridge for optimal flavor development.
Can I substitute dairy-free alternatives in this recipe?
Absolutely! Almond milk or coconut cream makes for great dairy-free options.
Berries and Cream Overnight French Toast Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in a delightful morning treat with this Berries and Cream Overnight French Toast Bake. Soft brioche bread soaked in a rich custard, layered with fresh berries, creates a breakfast masterpiece that is both easy to prepare and utterly delicious. Perfect for special occasions or lazy weekends, this bake will fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of vanilla as you gather around the table with family and friends. Enjoy warm, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch!
Ingredients
- 10 cups brioche bread, cubed
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer cubed brioche bread evenly in the baking dish and sprinkle fresh berries over the top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread and berries, pressing down gently to soak.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
