Description
A wholesome and delicious Overnight Breakfast Casserole featuring mixed berries and thick bread cubes soaked in a sweetened applesauce and milk custard, baked to golden perfection. This make-ahead dish is perfect for busy mornings and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 6 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 pound thick bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Custard Mixture
- 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
- Dry the bread: If the bread is not slightly stale, dry it out by leaving it uncovered for a day or baking it at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the bread cubes evenly inside.
- Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, egg whites (or additional milk), sweetener, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine bread and custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are soaked thoroughly.
- Add the berries: Scatter the mixed berries evenly over the top of the soaked bread.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake the casserole: 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.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or cold.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread for better texture and absorption.
- You can substitute applesauce with mashed banana for a different flavor.
- Use your preferred milk type—dairy or plant-based—according to dietary needs.
- Adjust sweetener quantity based on sweetness preference.
- Serve warm for a cozy breakfast or cold as a refreshing option.
- Can be prepared vegan by using plant-based milk and egg substitutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
