Mixed Berry French Toast Bake

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make breakfast that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, look no further than this Mixed Berry French Toast Bake. This dish combines the classic flavors of French toast with the fresh, juicy goodness of mixed berries, making it a delightful treat for any morning. 

Why You’ll Love With This Recipe

1. This French toast bake is packed with the sweet  flavors of mixed berries, complemented by the warm, cinnamon and vanilla.

2. With a creamy, custard-like center and a crispy, crumbly topping, this dish offers a wonderful contrast in textures. The soft, egg-soaked bread melds beautifully with the crunch of the brown sugar topping, making every bite a delight.

3. One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. You can assemble the dish the night before, letting the bread soak up all the delicious flavors. In the morning, just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a fantastic breakfast ready with minimal effort.

4. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just enjoying a weekend breakfast with family, this Mixed Berry French Toast Bake is sure to impress. It’s a great way to serve a large group without spending hours in the kitchen.

5. This recipe is highly adaptable. You can use fresh or frozen berries, switch up the types of fruit, or even add a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch. It’s easy to make it your own and cater to different tastes and dietary needs.

6. Packed with protein from the eggs and milk, and loaded with vitamins from the berries, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a great way to start your day with a balanced and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• French bread, cubed
• Egg whites
• Eggs
• Skim milk
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Frozen unsweetened mixed berries (or fresh)
• Cold butter
• Brown sugar

How To Make Mixed Berry French Toast Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.
• Evenly spread the bread cubes in the dish.

Step 2: Create the Egg Mixture

• In a large bowl, whisk together egg whites, whole eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
• Pour this mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3: Refrigerate

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
• Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Thaw Berries

• Remove the frozen berries from the freezer 30 minutes before baking to allow them to thaw.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 5: Initial Baking

• Take the baking dish out of the refrigerator.
• Bake it, covered with foil, for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Crumb Topping

• In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cold butter.
• Use two knives to cut the butter into the sugar until it forms a crumbly texture.

Step 7: Add Berries and Topping

• After the initial baking, take the dish out of the oven.
• Distribute the thawed berries evenly over the bread.
• Sprinkle the crumb topping over the berries.

Step 8: Final Baking

• Return the dish to the oven, uncovered.
• Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 9: Serve

• Enjoy your freshly baked berry-topped bread pudding!

Pro Tips 

Use Stale or Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use day-old or slightly stale French bread. Fresh bread can get too soggy and not absorb the egg mixture well, while slightly dried-out bread cubes soak up the custard beautifully.

Let the Bread Soak Overnight: If you can, let the bread cubes soak in the egg mixture overnight. This will ensure the custard soaks through the bread completely, resulting in a rich, creamy texture.

Don’t Skip the Aluminum Foil: Covering the dish with aluminum foil during the first phase of baking helps trap moisture, preventing the bread pudding from drying out. After the first baking, uncover the dish to allow the top to become golden and crispy.

Fresh vs. Frozen Berries: Frozen berries work well in this recipe and are often more affordable and accessible. However, if you’re using fresh berries, be mindful not to overmix them with the egg mixture, as fresh berries may release more liquid. You can also slightly freeze fresh berries for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the dish to help prevent them from breaking down too much.

Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste: If you prefer your bread pudding on the sweeter side, you can increase the brown sugar or drizzle additional maple syrup over the top before serving. Adjust based on your preference!

Add a Flavor Twist: If you want to add a bit of variety, you can experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for a warming flavor. You could also try adding a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla for a subtle change.

For Extra Crunch, Use a Nutty Topping: For an added crunch, you can mix some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the crumb topping. This gives an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Ensure the Egg Mixture Is Even: When pouring the egg mixture over the bread cubes, be sure to gently press down on the bread to make sure it soaks up the custard evenly. This helps avoid dry spots.

Serve Warm with Toppings: For extra indulgence, serve the bread pudding with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a great way to elevate the dessert for special occasions or brunch.