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French Toast Bake Recipe Easy Cozy Family-Style Breakfast with Fresh Berries

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A cozy, family-style French toast bake featuring custard-soaked brioche or challah bread with fresh berries, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread (about 12 ounces / 340 grams), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup fresh mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries) – frozen can be used
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (can substitute with extra milk)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (for dotting on top)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Maple syrup or honey, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cut day-old brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, toast cubes at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to dry out.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
  3. Place bread cubes evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Scatter fresh berries over the bread.
  4. Pour custard mixture evenly over bread and berries, pressing down gently to help bread soak up liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove dish from fridge and let sit 10-15 minutes to take chill off.
  6. Dot the top with small pieces of unsalted butter. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until top is golden and custard is set but slightly jiggly in center. Insert toothpick to check doneness.
  7. Let cool 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar (if using) and serving with maple syrup or honey.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best custard absorption; fresh bread can be toasted to dry. Soaking overnight yields best texture but minimum 2 hours is needed. Toss frozen berries in flour to prevent bleeding. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast. Broil 1-2 minutes for crispier top if desired. Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, family breakfast, cozy breakfast, baked French toast, fresh berries, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, custard soaked bread

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/french-toast-bake-recipe-easy-cozy-family-style-breakfast-with-fresh-berries/