Introduction

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a simple, make-ahead dish perfect for busy mornings. Loaded with fresh berries and soaked bread, it’s light, flavorful, and comes together with minimal effort. Just prepare it the night before and enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast.

A glass baking dish contains a baked dessert with four main layers. The bottom layer is light golden bread cubes evenly spread to cover the dish. The second layer is soaked and slightly browned custard that seeps through the bread. The third layer is a mix of dark purple blackberries, red raspberries, and small blueberries scattered densely across the surface. The top layer has a light sprinkle of white powdered sugar dusting over the berries. The dish set on a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups berries (32 oz)
1 lb thick bread
1 1/3 cup applesauce (or mashed banana)
2/3 cup milk (of choice)
2/3 cup egg whites (or additional milk of choice)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or agave or honey)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: If the bread is not slightly hard already, let it sit uncovered for a day or bake the slices at 300°F for 15 minutes to dry out.
Step 2: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Cut the bread into approximately 1-inch pieces and layer them evenly in the pan.
Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, egg whites, maple syrup, and vanilla extract (omit vanilla if using vanilla-flavored milk).
Step 4: Pour the mixture evenly over the bread in the pan, then spread the berries on top.
Step 5: Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight.
Step 6: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pan on the center rack and bake for about 1 hour, or until the bread is lightly golden.
Step 7: Serve hot or cold. Enjoy your delicious breakfast casserole!

Tips & Variations

Use firm bread like challah or brioche for a richer texture.
Swap applesauce for mashed banana to add natural sweetness.
Try different berries or a berry mix according to the season or your preference.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture for extra warmth.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and skip the egg whites or replace with a vegan alternative.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven until heated through. This dish can also be eaten cold, making it a convenient grab-and-go breakfast.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of a baked berry dessert in a clear glass dish. The base layer is made up of a light brown, slightly crispy baked bread or cake, cut into small square pieces. On top of this base, there is a thick layer of mixed berries, including raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries in deep red, purple, and dark blue colors. The berries look juicy and some have burst slightly, creating colorful purple and red stains on the bread below. The dessert is finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar that adds a soft white contrast over the dark berries. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Yes, you can substitute whole eggs for egg whites if you prefer. This will make the casserole richer and more custard-like.

Can I prepare this casserole without berries?

Absolutely! You can omit the berries or replace them with other fruits such as diced apples, peaches, or even nuts for added texture.

Overnight Berry Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

A wholesome and easy-to-make overnight breakfast casserole featuring layers of slightly dried bread, fresh berries, and a custard-like mixture of applesauce, milk, egg whites, and maple syrup. This recipe requires minimal prep the night before and bakes to a golden, comforting dish perfect for a nutritious breakfast or brunch.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes (including bread drying if using pre-baked bread)
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: Approximately 8 hours (including overnight refrigeration)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

6 cups berries (approximately 32 oz)

Bread

1 lb thick bread, cut into 1-inch pieces

Custard mixture

1 1/3 cup applesauce (or mashed banana)
2/3 cup milk of choice
2/3 cup egg whites (or additional milk of choice)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or agave or honey)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the bread. If the bread is fresh and soft, let it sit uncovered for a day to dry out slightly or bake slices at 300°F for 15 minutes until slightly hardened. This ensures the bread absorbs the custard properly without becoming mushy.
Assemble the casserole. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Cut the bread into approximately 1-inch pieces and evenly layer them in the pan.
Mix custard ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, egg whites, maple syrup, and vanilla extract (omit vanilla if using vanilla-flavored milk) until smooth.
Combine and refrigerate overnight. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the pan. Spread the berries evenly on top. Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak.
Bake the casserole. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole in the center rack and bake for 1 hour or until the bread is lightly golden and set.
Serve. Enjoy the casserole hot or cold as a flavorful and nutritious breakfast option.

Notes

You can substitute applesauce with mashed banana for a different flavor and natural sweetness.
Use any combination of fresh or frozen berries depending on availability and preference.
Maple syrup can be replaced by agave syrup or honey as a natural sweetener.
Using egg whites can reduce fat and cholesterol content; alternatively, use whole eggs for a richer texture.
Drying the bread beforehand is essential to prevent a soggy casserole.
Refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor and texture before baking.

Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, berry casserole, baked breakfast, healthy breakfast, make ahead breakfast, fruit casserole, low fat breakfast