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Heavenly Berry French Toast Bake

This Heavenly Berry French Toast Bake is a delightful breakfast casserole featuring challah or brioche bread soaked in a rich egg custard and topped with fresh mixed berries and a crunchy pecan streusel. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion, it's easy to prepare ahead of time.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • plastic wrap or foil
  • small bowl
  • kitchen knife or pastry blender

Ingredients
  

French Toast Bake

  • 1 loaf (16 oz) challah or brioche bread cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup mixed fresh berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries

Streusel Topping

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter 4 tablespoons, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

For Serving

  • Maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar optional

Instructions
 

Prepare and Soak

  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and arrange the bread cubes evenly in it.
  • Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until smooth.
  • Pour the custard over the bread, pressing gently to ensure absorption, then scatter fresh berries on top.
  • Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.

Prepare Streusel and Bake

  • Combine flour and brown sugar in a small bowl, then cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form, and stir in chopped pecans.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover, and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the bread and berries.
  • Bake for 35-45 minutes until set in the center, golden brown, and bubbly.

Serve

  • Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle with warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired, then serve hot.

Notes

For best results, prepare the French toast bake the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bake. You can also vary the berries used based on seasonal availability or personal preference. If you don't have challah or brioche, a sturdy white bread or sourdough can be used, although the texture might be slightly different. Adjust baking time as needed based on your oven and the thickness of the bread cubes.