Description
This Berry Brioche Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is an indulgent and comforting breakfast casserole featuring soft brioche bread, tangy cream cheese, fresh strawberries and blueberries soaked in a rich egg custard. Baked to golden perfection, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a weekend brunch or holiday morning, delivering a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and cinnamon-spiced flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Cheese
- 1 loaf brioche bread
- 8 ounces cream cheese
Custard Mixture
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Fruits
- 16 ounces strawberries
- 8 ounces blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the French toast casserole.
- Prepare Brioche: Chop the brioche loaf into chunks and set aside in a large bowl or plate; this will form the base of the bake.
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so it can be evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
- Prepare Egg Wash Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, forming the custard base.
- Assemble the Bake: Arrange the brioche cubes evenly in an oven-safe baking dish. Scatter the strawberries and blueberries over the bread, then place the cream cheese cubes on top to distribute the creamy pockets throughout.
- Pour Custard: Pour the prepared egg wash mixture evenly over the entire dish, ensuring all the bread pieces soak up the custard. Cover the dish with foil.
- Chill Overnight: Refrigerate the assembled dish overnight or for at least 1 hour to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard flavors and soften.
- Bake: Remove the foil and bake the French toast casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute whole milk and cream cheese with plant-based versions.
- Soaking overnight improves texture and flavor by allowing the custard to penetrate the brioche fully.
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor or substitute with frozen berries if out of season (thawed first).
- Optional toppings include powdered sugar, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.
- This recipe can be prepared the night before for an easy, hands-off breakfast or brunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: French toast bake, berry French toast, brioche casserole, cream cheese breakfast bake, make-ahead breakfast
