Description
A wholesome and effortless make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring juicy berries, hearty bread, and a naturally sweet custard base. Perfect for busy mornings or special brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 pound thick bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/3 cups applesauce or mashed banana
- 2/3 cup milk of choice
- 2/3 cup egg whites or additional milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup, agave, or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- If the bread isn’t slightly stale, dry it out by leaving it uncovered for a day or baking at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, egg whites (or additional milk), sweetener, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Scatter the berries over the top.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for about 1 hour, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or cold.
Notes
- Use a combination of berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for variety.
- Add chopped nuts or a swirl of nut butter for extra texture and flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup to taste.
- Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of casserole)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
