Overnight French Toast Bake with Berry Topping
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The other day, I found this Overnight French Toast Bake with berry topping recipe in a Betty Crocker magazine. I had this recipe in my to-try file for a bit and decided it was time to try it.
I love breakfast but usually don’t eat big breakfast meals during the week. Consequently, we have breakfast for dinner at least once a week. So, I used this recipe for my breakfast and dinner for this week. It would also be perfect for a brunch.
It turned out pretty yummy. Most of my family preferred to drizzle good old maple syrup on top, but I absolutely love the berries. Since everyone didn’t use the berry sauce, I have left-over sauce.
Since I started doing Weight Watchers, I have become hooked on Dryer’s frozen yogurt. Ice cream doesn’t taste as good anymore. I prefer frozen yogurt unless it is soft-serve ice cream from somewhere like Article Circle or McDonald’s.
I’m sure that ice cream has a lot of milk fat in it, that’s why theirs tastes so good. Anyway, I used the leftover berry sauce on top of my Dryer’s frozen yogurt. It was absolutely fantastic!
Overnight French Toast Bake with Berry Topping Ingredients
- FRENCH BREAD
- EGGS
- HALF AND HALF
- SUGAR
- GROUND CINNAMON
- SALT
- VANILLA EXTRACT
- CORNSTARCH
- ORANGE JUICE
- FROZEN MIXED BERRIES
- FRESH STRAWBERRIES
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Berry Topping
Start by preparing your baking dish—spray a 9×13 inch glass dish with non-stick spray and evenly spread cubed bread across the bottom.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can let it sit for 4 hours or overnight, which allows the bread to soak up all the flavors. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 35 minutes. I recommend you check the French toast at 20 minutes. At 25 minutes, mine was too brown on top, so I laid a piece of aluminum foil on top. You’ll know it’s done when it turns golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
For the berry sauce, start by mixing sugar and cornstarch in a 2-quart saucepan. Gradually stir in orange juice until the mixture is smooth. Add the mixed berries and bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Cook for about 6 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat, and just before serving, fold in fresh strawberries. This casserole with berry topping is a fantastic make-ahead brunch or family breakfast dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any bread for this recipe?
It’s best to use thick, sturdy bread like sourdough, brioche, challah, or French bread loaf to prevent the bread from getting too soggy.
How long should the French toast bake be refrigerated before baking?
It should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully.
Can I use non-dairy milk alternatives in the recipe?
Yes, almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk can be substituted for half-and-half or milk to accommodate dietary preferences or allergies.
What’s the best way to ensure the French toast bake doesn’t stick to the pan?
Grease the baking dish well with butter or a non-stick spray, and consider using parchment paper as a liner for easier removal.
Can I freeze the baked French toast casserole?
Yes, once baked and cooled, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Can I use all fresh berries instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use all fresh berries. Just ensure they’re clean and hulled if necessary. The texture might be slightly different, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How can I thicken the berry topping if it’s too runny?
If the sauce is too watery, you can dissolve an additional teaspoon of cornstarch in a small amount of cold water and stir it into the simmering berry mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.
How long can I store this berry topping?
This berry topping can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure it is cooled completely before storing.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Sausage Apple Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Overnight Christmas Breakfast Casserole
- Fresh Berry Syrup
- Overnight Strawberry and Cream Cheese Baked Waffles
Overnight French Toast Bake
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 cups french bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 eggs
- 3 cups half and half
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Spray 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray. Place bread cubes in baking dish.
- In large bowl, beat eggs, half and half, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla with wire whisk until smooth; pour over bread cubes. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bake uncovered for 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center come out clean. Serves 8.
Nutrition
Berry Topping
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 bag 12 oz. frozen unsweetened mixed berries
- 3 cup fresh strawberries cut in quarters (I didn’t have fresh, so I just thawed whole frozen strawberries)
Instructions
- In a 2 quart saucepan, stir together sugar and cornstarch. Stir in orange juice, until smooth.
- Stir in mixed berries. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook about 6 minutes, stirring constantly, until topping is slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat. Just before serving, stir in strawberries. Serve warm over French toast bake.
