Overnight Baked Brioche French Toast with Berry Compote
Say goodbye to soggy! This baked french toast recipe uses brioche & an overnight soak for a custardy dream. Topped with berry compote! #bakedfrenchtoast

Alright, let's dive into the magic of baked french toast ! ever wake up craving something totally decadent? something that screams "weekend vibes"? well, this baked french toast recipe is it.
It's like a warm hug in breakfast form, seriously. plus, the berry compote? chef's kiss!
Rise and Shine: The Ultimate Baked French Toast Revelation
This isn't just any french toast with nutmeg , this is the ultimate french toast . think classic french toast , but amplified.
We're talking about transforming humble bread into something truly special. this recipe draws inspiration from the classic "pain perdu," a way to use up day-old bread.
It's evolved, baby, into something fancy! this recipe is easy. it takes about 20 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to bake.
Plus, 8- 12 hours to chill overnight. it serves 6-8 people. perfect for a lazy weekend brunch with friends or family.
What Makes This Baked French Toast Sing?
Honestly, the biggest benefit? this recipe for baked french toast takes the hassle out of the morning. you prep it the night before, pop it in the oven, and boom – a glorious breakfast feast! also, using artisan bread french toast like brioche soaks up the custard perfectly.
The heavy cream french toast element adds richness. plus, the overnight soak ensures it's not soggy french toast . seriously, soggy french toast is the worst .
Serve this beauty for a special occasion like mother's day, easter brunch, or just because you deserve a treat. it’s that good.
The Key Players: Ingredients You'll Need
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. you'll need brioche, eggs, milk, half and half french toast for extra richness. also sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
For the berry compote, grab some mixed berries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. oh my gosh, i almost forgot! you can totally use french toast with croissant bread too if you are feeling fancy.
Trust me, it is amazing. the restaurant style french toast flavor comes from the rich custard. now, let's move on to why the ingredients matter.
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Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this ultimate french toast a reality! i gotta say, this recipe is a total game-changer.
Forget that sad, soggy stuff you might have had before. we're aiming for restaurant style french toast here, friends!
Ingredients & Equipment
So, grab your shopping list and let's get this show on the road!
Main Ingredients
This isn't just bread and eggs, people. We're talking about creating something truly special.
- Brioche Bread: 1 pound (454g) . You want a loaf that's slightly stale. This is key for absorbing the custard without getting all mushy. Think day-old, or leave it out uncovered for a bit. For an artisan bread french toast , brioche is seriously top tier.
- Eggs: 6 large . Free-range if you can find 'em. Happy hens make happy French toast, right?
- Whole Milk: 2 cups (473ml) . Gives it that richness.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (237ml) . Oh, yeah. This is where the magic happens. For a heavy cream french toast it's the secret weapon to make it not soggy.
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g) . Just the right amount of sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons , melted.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons . Pure vanilla, none of that imitation stuff.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon . For that warm, cozy flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch.
For the Berry Compote:
- Mixed Berries: 2 cups (about 300g) . Fresh or frozen, your call. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries - the more the merrier!
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50g) .
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon . Balances out the sweetness.
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon , mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water. This is what thickens the compote and stops it being watery.
Seasoning Notes
Okay, spices and flavorings. This is where you can really personalize things.
French toast with nutmeg is a game-changer, if you ask me. a little extra cinnamon never hurts either. you can even add a tiny pinch of ground cloves for a real autumnal vibe.
For flavor enhancers, try a splash of almond extract in the custard – honestly, it takes it to the next level.
If you're out of vanilla extract, a tablespoon of rum will do the trick, too. it'll change the flavor slightly, but it's still amazing.
Equipment Needed
No need for fancy gadgets here, thankfully.
- 9x13 inch (23x33cm) Baking Dish: Any oven-safe dish will do.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking the custard.
- Whisk: A fork will work in a pinch, but a whisk is ideal.
- Small Saucepan: For the berry compote.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key!
And that's it! with these ingredients and tools, you're well on your way to creating a not soggy french toast masterpiece that will blow everyone away.
And seriously, if you are wondering about french toast with croissant bread , just make sure you have a good quality crossiant, instead of the brioche and you will get the most amazing french toast you have ever had!
Right then, let's dive into making some proper delicious baked french toast ! Honestly, this recipe is a game-changer. No more of that soggy nonsense, alright?
Overnight Baked Brioche French Toast with Berry Compote Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
The Secret to Amazing Baked French Toast
This isn't just any baked french toast . we're talking restaurant style french toast level good. this is ultimate french toast , the kind that makes you wanna slap yo' mama (but don't, obviously!).
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential mise en place: Cube that brioche, like, now. Measure out your milk, eggs, and sugar. Get that berry situation sorted, too.
- Time-saving organization tips: Do this at night. Seriously. Prep the whole thing and let it sit in the fridge. You’ll thank yourself in the morning, trust me.
- Safety Reminders: Don't burn yourself, duh! Also, wash those berries. I mean, come on.
Step-by-Step: Let's Get Cooking
- Bread Time: Cube a 1-pound brioche loaf and spread it in a 9x13 inch dish.
- Custard Creation: Whisk 6 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Soak It Up: Pour custard over bread. Make sure every piece is covered , you know?
- Berry Magic: Combine 2 cups mixed berries, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Heat until berries release their juice.
- Thicken Up: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water. Stir into berry mixture. Cook until thickened.
- Bake It: Preheat oven to 350° F . Bake for 40- 45 minutes or until golden.
- Serve and enjoy. Dust with powdered sugar!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Game
- Use slightly stale brioche for Not Soggy French Toast . Honestly, day-old is your best friend.
- Common Mistakes: Don't skimp on the soak! Overnight is key.
- Make-Ahead Options: It is an overnight recipe! Prep the custard and assemble it all the night before.
And for a real treat, use artisan bread french toast . you might be surprised. using half and half french toast makes it less creamy, but still good! what about french toast with half and half ? sure, why not! another option is heavy cream french toast .
This makes it super rich.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this baked french toast recipe a whirl. You won't regret it. And don't forget the French Toast With Nutmeg ! It's the secret ingredient! And if you want to use French Toast With Croissant Bread , go for it!
Okay, let's get this show on the road! Here's that "Recipe Notes" section, all jazzed up with personality.

Recipe Notes: Get Ready to Get Your Grub On!
So, you're about to make this baked french toast , huh? awesome! honestly, it's way easier than you think. but let's cover a few things to make sure it turns out ultimate french toast level good.
Like, really good.
Plating & Presentation: Make it Instagrammable!
Okay, first things first: presentation! this ain’t just about shoving it on a plate. think about it. a little powdered sugar dusting makes everything look fancy.
A drizzle of maple syrup? yes, please! you can arrange a few extra berries on top too. voila! foodie-approved french toast with nutmeg (if you added nutmeg, that is!).
Maybe even a sprig of mint if you are feeling extra bougie.
To really impress, consider individual ramekins! It's very restaurant style French toast .
How to Keep it Fresh: Storage Secrets
Leftovers? IF you have them...
- Fridge Time: Pop any leftover baked French toast into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Perfect for a quick brekkie during the week.
- Freezer Fun: Surprisingly, this freezes well! Cut into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Then, toss 'em in a freezer bag. They'll last for up to 2 months.
- Reheating 101: To reheat, either microwave it (easy peasy) or bake it in a low oven ( 300° F/ 150° C) until warmed through. I think the oven is better at returning the texture to when you originally baked it. If you're microwaving, go for short bursts of around 30 seconds until it's heated through.
Remix Time: Variations on a Theme
Want to shake things up? Here are a couple of ideas:
- Dairy-Free Dream: Use almond milk or another dairy-free milk alternative instead of regular milk. It's a great Half and Half French Toast alternative, but I still love Heavy Cream French Toast .
- Seasonal Swaps: Use apples in the fall, peaches in the summer. The possibilities are endless!
Don't skip out on trying it with Artisan Bread French Toast or French Toast with Croissant Bread .
Nutrition Nutshell: The Good Stuff
Alright, let's talk about the nitty-gritty. this baked french toast is delicious, but let's be real, it's not exactly a health food.
Think of it as a treat, not a staple. that said, it does give you some protein from the eggs and some calcium from the milk.
The berries add antioxidants. you know, balance.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! all the insider info you need to make this baked french toast a total hit.
Don't be scared to experiment and put your own spin on it. the main thing is to have fun, enjoy the process, and make something delicious! you got this! no more not soggy french toast anymore!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked French toast ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this recipe requires an overnight soak, which makes it perfect for prepping ahead. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or even overnight. Come morning, just take it out, preheat the oven, and bake!
What's the best bread to use for baked French toast?
Brioche is the gold standard, giving a rich and buttery flavour, but challah bread is a good alternative too. Slightly stale bread works best as it soaks up the custard without getting too soggy - think of it like using day-old bread for bread pudding. A regular sliced loaf would work in a pinch if you left it to dry out for a day or so.
My baked French toast is soggy. What did I do wrong?
Sogginess is a common problem! This could be due to a few things: your bread might have been too fresh, or you may have used too much liquid in the custard mixture. Ensure your bread is slightly stale to better absorb the custard. Also, don't skip the overnight soak, as it helps the bread to fully absorb the liquid, rather than just sitting on top causing sogginess. Check your oven temp is correct, as a low temp can cause this issue.
How do I store leftover baked French toast?
Leftover baked French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through. You can even freeze individual portions for longer storage; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Can I add different toppings or flavors to my baked French toast recipe?
Absolutely, get creative! You could add a layer of sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking for an apple pie twist. Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of Nutella are other delicious options to jazz things up. Why not try a savoury version for a change. Some cheese and ham would work perfectly!
Is baked french toast healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
While incredibly delicious, baked French toast is relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar, especially with the berry compote and optional maple syrup. You can lighten it up by using skimmed milk and a sugar substitute, or by halving the amount of sugar in the berry compote. Consider it a treat and enjoy in moderation, or perhaps have a smaller portion and load up on fresh fruit for a more balanced meal. As Mary Berry says, "everything in moderation!"