Description
Mouthwatering French toast casserole fills kitchens with sweet, comforting aromas from mixed berries and rich custard. Served warm with maple syrup, this classic breakfast dish invites guests to savor each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 16 oz (454 g) loaf bread, sliced into 16 pieces
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 7 large eggs
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) half-and-half
- ½ cup (75 g) blackberries
- ½ cup (75 g) blueberries
- ½ cup (75 g) raspberries
- ¼ cup + ½ tablespoon (55 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preparation: Generously butter a 13 × 9-inch baking dish, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking and promote easy removal.
- Layer Foundation: Create the first bread layer across the dish bottom, positioning slices to form a uniform base that will absorb the custard mixture efficiently.
- Cream Cheese Infusion: Spread a velvety cream cheese mixture evenly over bread slices, creating a rich, tangy foundation that will elevate the casserole’s flavor profile.
- Berry Integration: Toss fresh berries with sugar to release their natural essence, then distribute strategically across the cream cheese layer for vibrant bursts of fruity sweetness.
- Secondary Layer: Position the remaining bread slices atop the berry mixture, constructing a delectable multi-layered structure.
- Custard Preparation: Whisk eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, milk, and half-and-half in a large bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly aerated, ensuring complete ingredient incorporation.
- Liquid Absorption: Gently pour the custard over the layered bread, allowing each slice to soak thoroughly and create a luxurious, pudding-like consistency.
- Baking Process: Slide the casserole into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, baking for 50-60 minutes until the center sets and the surface achieves a golden-brown caramelization.
- Finishing Touch: After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes to stabilize its structure, then dust generously with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet presentation.
Notes
- Prevent Bread Sogginess: Use slightly stale or day-old bread to help absorb the egg mixture without becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Cream Cheese Technique: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier spreading and smoother distribution across bread layers.
- Berry Distribution Tip: Pat berries dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole watery during baking.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and saving morning preparation time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg