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Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with Sweet Berry Compote Made Easy

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A comforting and easy overnight French toast casserole paired with a sweet berry compote, perfect for lazy mornings or brunch with guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf of sturdy bread, cubed (about 10 cups; day-old challah or brioche works beautifully)
  • 6 large eggs, lightly beaten (room temperature)
  • 2 cups whole milk (or substitute with almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (can swap for more milk)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Butter, for greasing the casserole dish
  • 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen; blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thicker compote)

Instructions

  1. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cube the bread into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
  3. Place bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently to ensure absorption. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  4. Refrigerate the casserole for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
  5. About 30 minutes before baking, combine mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until berries break down and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry if a thicker compote is desired and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge, discard plastic wrap, and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean but moist.
  7. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving warm with generous spoonfuls of the sweet berry compote on top.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture. Room temperature eggs and milk help create a smooth custard. Tent with foil halfway through baking if edges brown too quickly. The berry compote can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and adjust soaking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, sweet berry compote, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, cozy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/cozy-overnight-french-toast-casserole-recipe-with-sweet-berry-compote-made-easy/