Spring Brunch French Toast Bake

Name: Spring Brunch French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); Maple syrup for serving; Powdered sugar for serving (optional)

Highlighted under: Party Seasonal Food Ideas

I absolutely love making this Spring Brunch French Toast Bake for family gatherings. It's such a delightful way to bring everyone together over a delicious meal. The combination of fresh berries and creamy custard makes each bite a treat! I admire how the cinnamon aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. It's easy to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for those busy mornings when I want to impress my guests without feeling rushed.

Created by

Dorothy Finch

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:25:39.199Z

I remember the first time I made this Spring Brunch French Toast Bake; it quickly became a staple at our family brunches. I experimented with different types of bread and found that using a brioche adds the perfect richness and texture. Pouring the custard over the bread the night before allows it to soak in, resulting in a beautifully moist bake that’s bursting with flavor.

What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. You can customize it with your favorite fruits or even add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. This way, everyone can make it their own, making those brunches feel even more special.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Perfectly sets the mood for a spring gathering
Burst of fresh berry flavors with every bite
Make-ahead convenience saves time on busy mornings

Choosing the Right Bread

For this French Toast Bake, brioche is the star for its rich flavor and fluffy texture. However, if you're looking for alternatives, challah or artisanal sourdough can work well too. Just ensure that whatever bread you choose is slightly stale, as this allows for optimal absorption of the custard. Fresh bread tends to become mushy, so leave it out for a few hours before using to enhance its sturdiness.

Additionally, if you're aiming for a healthier twist, whole grain bread can provide a nutty flavor profile while still offering excellent structure. Just be cautious with your custard soaking time; denser bread may need a little extra time to absorb without becoming overly soggy.

Coping with Common Troubles

One common issue with French toast bakes is uneven custard distribution, leading to dry areas. To combat this, make sure to gently press down on the bread and berry mixture after pouring the custard over it. This encourages even saturation. If you're in a hurry and cannot wait for 4 hours, aim for at least 1 hour for a decent soak, although overnight yields the best results.

Another potential problem is baking the dish too long, resulting in a dry texture. To avoid this, check it a few minutes earlier than the recommended time. When the top is golden brown and the custard is just set—slightly jiggly in the center—it's time to take it out of the oven. Letting it rest for a few minutes allows for further cooking and settling.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Spring Brunch French Toast Bake:

Ingredients

1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Maple syrup for serving
Powdered sugar for serving (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start the baking process!

Instructions

Here’s how to prepare your Spring Brunch French Toast Bake:

Prepare the Bread

In a large bowl, combine the brioche cubes and mixed berries. Gently toss to distribute the berries evenly throughout the bread.

Make the Custard

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Combine and Soak

Pour the custard mixture over the bread and berries, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Bake the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.

Serve

Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your delicious Spring Brunch French Toast Bake!

Enjoy this delightful dish with your family and friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mix for more warmth and spice.

Serving Suggestions

This Spring Brunch French Toast Bake pairs beautifully with a side of crispy bacon or sausage. The saltiness of the meat complements the sweetness of the berries and syrup, creating a well-rounded brunch experience. For a balanced meal, consider accompanying it with a fresh, zesty fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait.

If you're feeling adventurous, why not add a drizzle of flavored syrup? Options like lavender or vanilla-infused syrups can elevate the dish and surprise your guests. Garnishing with fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing taste that brightens up each bite.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing this dish the night before is a game-changer for busy mornings. After assembling all the ingredients, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it saves you time on the day of serving, letting you focus on greeting your guests instead of cooking.

If you've got leftovers, worry not! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating can be easily done in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, preserving that incredible texture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, while brioche is recommended for its richness, you can also use challah or even whole wheat bread.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread in the same quantity and follow the same preparation steps.

→ What fruits work well in this recipe?

Besides mixed berries, you can use peaches, apples, or even bananas. Just make sure they're ripe but firm.