Breakfast

Triple Berry French Toast Bake

Name: Triple Berry French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices of brioche bread; 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); Butter (for greasing the dish); Powdered sugar (for serving, optional)

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This Triple Berry French Toast Bake is an easy, bright twist on classic French toast. Cubes of brioche soak in a sweet, vanilla-cinnamon custard, then bake until golden and puffed. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries burst with juicy flavor across the soft, custardy interior. The top browns slightly and smells warm and inviting. It’s great for a slow weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a make-ahead treat that reheats well. If you like fruit-forward breakfast bakes, try this baked apple French toast for another cozy option.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes 15–30 minute soak; estimate 20 minutes for planning and prep)
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

Calories per serving: 360 kcal
Protein: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fat: 13 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 450 mg

Why Make This Triple Berry French Toast Bake

This bake gives you all the warm, sweet comfort of French toast with less hands-on time. You get tender custardy bread pieces, pockets of bright berry juice, and a golden top that looks beautiful on the table. It feeds a small crowd and keeps well in the fridge for quick breakfasts all week. The berries add fresh tartness that balances the sweet custard so the dish never tastes heavy.

How to Make Triple Berry French Toast Bake

You’ll make a simple egg-milk custard, toss it with bread, layer in berries, let it soak, and bake until puffed and golden. The soak time lets the cubes absorb the custard for a soft center. Baking brings out a gentle caramel aroma from the sugar and cinnamon. Follow the steps below to get the best texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

6 slices of bread (preferably brioche or challah)
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Butter (for greasing the dish)
Powdered sugar (for serving, optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter. Use a 9×9-inch or similar-sized dish for even baking.

Step 2: Mixing

Cut the bread into cubes and distribute half in the prepared dish. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour half of the egg mixture over the bread cubes, pressing lightly so the bread soaks up the custard.

Step 3: Baking

Add the mixed berries over the bread, then pour the remaining egg mixture on top, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Press the mixture down gently and let it soak for about 15–30 minutes so the custard penetrates. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed.

Step 4: Finishing

Let it cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. The bake will set as it cools and the berries will leave pretty juice streaks through the custard.

How to Serve Triple Berry French Toast Bake

Serve warm, straight from the dish. Add a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a spoonful of whipped cream or Greek yogurt. Fresh mint or a few extra berries on top add color and brightness. It works well for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed dessert.

How to Store Triple Berry French Toast Bake

Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven for best texture.
Tip: To maintain some crispness, reheat in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave.

Expert Tips for Perfect Triple Berry French Toast Bake

Use day-old bread if possible. Slightly stale bread soaks custard without becoming mushy.
Cut bread into even cubes so the bake cooks uniformly.
For a richer custard, substitute half-and-half for milk or add one extra egg yolk.
Toss strawberries with a little sugar if they are very tart to balance flavors.
If your berries are frozen, do not thaw them first—use them frozen to prevent excess sogginess.
Let the bake rest 5–10 minutes after baking so it firms up for clean slices.

Delicious Variations

Lemon-Blueberry: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the custard and use only blueberries for a bright flavor.
Apple-Cinnamon: Replace berries with thin apple slices and add 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Chocolate-Berry: Sprinkle 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips between layers for a sweet twist.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted pecans or almonds on top before baking for texture.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based milk (like oat milk) and replace eggs with a blended silken tofu-cup or a store-bought egg replacer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead the night before?
A: Yes. Assemble the bake, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning, adding about 5–10 minutes to the bake time if cold from the fridge.

Q: Can I use any bread?
A: You can, but richer breads like brioche or challah give the best texture. Sturdy sandwich bread works in a pinch, but avoid very thin or soft slices that fall apart.

Q: What if I only have frozen berries?
A: Use them frozen and do not thaw first. Frozen berries release more juice; stirring them lightly into the custard can help distribute juices and avoid large wet spots.

Q: How can I keep the top from getting too brown?
A: If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking and continue until set.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Yes. Use almond, soy, or oat milk and a vegan egg replacer. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.

Q: Can I add more sugar or spices?
A: Yes. Increase sugar by small amounts if you like sweeter bakes. Add warming spices like nutmeg or cardamom for more depth.

Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: The center should look set, not jiggly, and a knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean. The top should be golden brown.

Conclusion

This Triple Berry French Toast Bake is a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that balances sweet custard and tart berries. It smells like warm cinnamon and vanilla and tastes bright with juicy berry pops in every bite. Try it for a holiday brunch or a lazy weekend morning; it’s forgiving and easy to adapt. For another take on baked French toast with fruit, see Mom On Timeout’s Triple Berry French Toast Casserole. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, fruity breakfast that feels special but is simple to make.