Overnight French Toast Bake with Berries
A make‑ahead French toast casserole layered with cream‑cheese pockets and mixed berries. Prep it the night before; wake up to a crisp top, and vibrant fruit.
Ingredients
- 8 cups day‑old brioche or challah cut into 1‑inch cubes
- 8 oz cream cheese chilled 15 min and cubed
- 2 cups mixed berries blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- Butter for greasing pan
Instructions
- Grease a 9 × 13‑inch baking dish with butter.
- Scatter half the bread cubes in the dish; top with half the cream‑cheese cubes and half the berries.
- Repeat with the remaining bread, cream cheese, and berries.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread, pressing gently so every cube is moistened.
- Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F / 177 °C. Remove foil and bake for 45–55 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
- Let rest 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make‑Ahead Window: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance. If you need more flexibility, freeze the unbaked casserole (well‑wrapped) for as long as two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Bread Dry‑Out Shortcut: If your loaf is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast at 300 °F / 149 °C for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Flavor Boost: Add ½ teaspoon freshly grated orange zest to the custard for a bright citrus accent.
- Texture Contrast: Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a nutty crunch.
- Dairy‑Free Option: Substitute full‑fat canned coconut milk for whole milk and use plant‑based cream cheese.
- Gluten‑Free Swap: Choose a sturdy gluten‑free brioche or sandwich bread; allow cubes to air‑dry longer, as gluten‑free loaves can be softer.
- Leftover Ideas: Reheat slices in a toaster oven until the edges crisp, then serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of berry syrup for a quick weekday breakfast.