A delightful twist on the classic French toast bake, featuring a medley of berries and a sweet, crunchy topping.
Grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Ensure the dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cut the bread into cubes and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Use day-old bread for better absorption of the custard mixture.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
Whisk thoroughly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down slightly to ensure they soak up the liquid.
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Overnight refrigeration enhances the flavors and texture.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even baking.
Bake the dish, covered, for 30 minutes.
Covering the dish prevents the top from browning too quickly.
In a small bowl, mix the butter and brown sugar until crumbly.
Use cold butter for a better crumbly texture.
Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the berries and topping mixture over the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Bake until the topping is golden and the casserole is set.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.