Description
This delightful Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and fresh berries layered between slices of soft bread, all soaked in a custard mixture. Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast, this dish is easy to prepare and serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
For the French toast casserole:
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf of bread, 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9 inch rectangular baking pan.
- Prepare the base layer: Arrange 8 slices of the bread in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add 1/4 cup sugar, the egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth. Pour the mixture over the layer of bread in the pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Add the berries: In a medium bowl, toss the blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of sugar. Evenly distribute the berries over the cream cheese filling.
- Top with the remaining bread: Arrange the remaining 8 slices of bread on top of the filling, pressing down gently.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the milk and half and half, and whisk until combined.
- Soak the casserole: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring even coverage. Press the bread down with the back of a spoon so that it absorbs the custard mixture.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until fully cooked and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10-20 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to make slicing easier.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 150mg