Mixed Berries Cream French Toast Bake: My Brunch Go-To (Print Version)

Mixed Berries Cream French Toast Bake is my favorite cozy brunch recipe! Learn my secrets for this easy, creamy, berry-filled bake, perfect for lazy mornings.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 loaf (13-16 oz) brioche bread, cut into 1-inch slices, slightly stale
02 - 6 large eggs
03 - 2 cups whole milk
04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
06 - 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting
11 - Maple syrup, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your brioche loaf and slice it into 1-inch thick pieces. Then, arrange those slices snugly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Don't worry if it's a little tight; that's good! I always manage to get crumbs everywhere at this stage, but that's just part of the process, right? Make sure to get them in a single layer for even soaking.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until everything is well combined and smooth. You want a consistent, pale yellow liquid. No chunky egg whites, please! I remember one time I was distracted by a phone call and barely mixed it; the texture of the finished Mixed Berries Cream French Toast Bake was... off, to say the least. Learn from my mistakes!
03 - In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and the lemon zest until it's light and fluffy. This is where the magic happens for that creamy surprise in your French Toast Bake! It might get a little messy on your spatula, but that’s okay. I usually end up with a little bit of cream cheese on my nose by this point, honestly.
04 - Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the brioche slices in the baking dish, making sure every piece is soaked. Then, dot spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the bread. Finally, scatter your mixed berries generously over the top. Try to get those berries everywhere, not just clumped in one spot—I used to do that, big mistake!
05 - Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This step is absolutely crucial for that custardy, melt-in-your-mouth center. I've rushed it before, and the center of my Mixed Berries Cream French Toast Bake ended up dry and less flavorful. Patience is a virtue, especially for this dish!
06 - When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while the oven heats. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, puffed, and the center is set. The smell that fills the house is incredible; it's pure bliss! Try not to open the oven too much; my kids always try to peek.
07 - Once out of the oven, let your Mixed Berries Cream French Toast Bake rest for a few minutes before serving. Dust generously with powdered sugar and drizzle with plenty of real maple syrup. This is the final touch that makes it look as amazing as it tastes. Get ready for some serious compliments!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skimp on the soaking time! It's the absolute key to a truly custardy, moist French Toast Bake.
02 - Seriously, use whole milk. I tried skim once, and it lacked that comforting richness.
03 - If you're using frozen berries, don't bother thawing them fully; just toss them in directly from the freezer.
04 - For an even deeper flavor, lightly toast your brioche slices in the oven for about 5-7 minutes before soaking them in the custard.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - spatula

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 15g

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