Irresistible Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries

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Why Make This Recipe

There’s something simply magical about a warm, sweet breakfast that is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. When you think of comforting breakfasts, brioche French toast casserole with blackberries stands out as an irresistible choice. This dish combines soft, buttery brioche with a rich custard, perfectly complemented by juicy blackberries. It is not only delicious, but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for brunch gatherings, special occasions, or even just a cozy morning at home.

One of the best things about this casserole is that it can be made beforehand. You can prepare it the night before and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The next morning, all you need to do is pop it into the oven. The result is a warm, fluffy breakfast that fills your kitchen with an enticing aroma, inviting everyone to the table.

This recipe is perfect for families or groups because it serves a crowd. Each bite is a delightful combination of creamy custard and tangy blackberries, with a golden crust on top. Whether you dress it up with whipped cream or keep it simple with maple syrup, it’s a dish that brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

How to Make Irresistible Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries

Making this brioche French toast casserole is straightforward and requires minimal effort. The key is in the preparation; let’s walk through the steps to achieve this delicious brunch masterpiece.

Ingredients

To create your irresistible brioche French toast casserole with blackberries, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup amaretto liquor or almond extract
1/4 cup light-color corn syrup
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk for a dairy-free option)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 loaf brioche or challah
2 cups blackberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and become golden brown when cooked.
Grease the Baking Dish: Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it to prevent the casserole from sticking. You can use a bit of butter or non-stick spray.
Prepare the Brioche: Slice the brioche into 1-inch cubes. It’s okay if the pieces aren’t perfectly uniform; just aim for a good size that will soak up the custard mixture well.
Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, unsalted butter, amaretto liquor (or almond extract), corn syrup, eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg until smooth. This rich custard is the heart of the casserole that will bring all the flavors together.
Layer the Ingredients: Begin layering half of the bread cubes in the greased baking dish. Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread. Next, add half of the blackberries. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients, making sure to evenly distribute everything.
Chill the Casserole: Once everything is layered, cover the baking dish and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour or overnight. This step allows the bread to soak in the custard, developing a delicious texture.
Bake: After chilling, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Add a Sweet Crunch: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle granulated sugar on top. This will create a lovely, sweet crust that adds a nice texture to the dish.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This waiting period helps the casserole to firm up a bit. Serve it warm with additional blackberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream, depending on your preference.

How to Serve Irresistible Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries

Serving this wonderful casserole is part of the enjoyment! Consider offering it straight from the baking dish, allowing people to help themselves. You could also consider plating individual portions with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup on top.

For a vibrant touch, you can add more blackberries on the side, and perhaps a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Pairing it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage can make it a well-rounded meal. Don’t forget to brew a fresh pot of coffee or tea to complement the sweet flavors of the casserole!

If you have guests over, encourage them to customize their servings with toppings of their choice. Some may enjoy fresh fruits, while others might prefer a rich, warm syrup.

How to Store Irresistible Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries

If you happen to have leftovers (though they are usually scarce with this crowd-pleaser), storing the casserole is simple:

Refrigerate: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Then, cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Cover it with foil to prevent the top from burning while reheating.

This casserole can generally be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It’s always great to have leftovers for a quick breakfast!

Tips to Make Irresistible Brioche French Toast Casserole with Blackberries

Use Day-Old Bread: If you have leftover brioche or challah that is a day or two old, utilize it! Stale bread absorbs the custard better, which results in a rich and satisfying texture.
Customize the Berries: Feel free to mix in other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced strawberries for different flavors. Seasonal fruits can make this dish even more delightful.
Experiment with Liquor or Flavoring: While amaretto or almond extract works wonderfully in this recipe, you could also experiment with different liqueurs or extracts like orange or vanilla to add distinct flavors to your casserole.
Add Nuts or Chocolate: For additional texture and flavor, consider sprinkling in some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or chocolate chips between the layers. They add an extra crunch and indulgence to the dish.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest after baking is important for the best results. It helps set the custard and keeps the casserole from falling apart when cutting into it.

Variation

While this irresistible brioche French toast casserole with blackberries is delightful as is, there are countless variations you can explore. Here are a few ideas:

Banana Cream Casserole: Swap out the blackberries for sliced bananas, add a layer of vanilla pudding in the middle, and top with crushed vanilla wafers for a banana cream-inspired dish.
Spiced Pumpkin Casserole: During the fall, you can add pumpkin puree and use pumpkin pie spice instead of nutmeg. This adds a cozy, seasonal twist.
Nutella Casserole: If you’re a fan of chocolate, add dollops of Nutella between the layers for a sweet surprise throughout. It pairs wonderfully with blackberries!

These variations can make the recipe feel new and exciting each time you prepare it.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it the next morning for a warm breakfast.
Can I use a different type of bread?
- Absolutely! While brioche or challah works best due to their rich texture, you can also use any other bread like French bread, sourdough, or even gluten-free options.
What if I don’t have amaretto?
- No problem! You can replace amaretto with almond extract or even simply skip it. The dish will still be delicious without it.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked casserole. Ensure it is cooled completely before covering it tightly and freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Is this casserole suitable for brunch parties?
- Definitely! This casserole serves a crowd and is perfect for brunches, holidays, or any special occasion. Its delicious taste and beautiful appearance will impress your guests.

By following this simple recipe and embracing the love of cooking and sharing, you can create a delightful dish that warms hearts and satisfies taste buds. With its buttery brioche, sweet blackberries, and creamy custard, the irresistible brioche French toast casserole is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home!