Berry French Toast Bake

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I am so excited to share this Berry French Toast Bake with you! It is easy to make, super versatile and a little better for you, thanks to 100% whole grain bread, a variety of fruit, and other healthy additions like Greek yogurt and nuts!

Disclosure: this post is sponsored by ALDI USA and I am being compensated for social promotion. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. I only work with brands that align with my mission and vision for Wellness For The Win. Thank you for your support!

ingredients to make this berry french toast bake

All of the ingredients for this Berry French Toast Bake can be found at my favorite grocery store, ALDI! The Simply Nature Organic Seedtastic bread is one of my favorite products, and it is a perfect, hearty, whole grain option for this recipe. They have so many other awesome products that I was able to incorporate, most of which I always have stocked in my pantry and freezer!

Brand names and more details on each ingredient included in recipe card below.

• Whole grain bread
• Whipped cream cheese
• Whole milk plain Greek yogurt
• Frozen blueberries
• Eggs
• Unsweetened almond milk
• Coconut oil
• Pure maple syrup
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla Extract
• Frozen mixed berries
• Chia seeds
• 100% fruit juice
• Pecans
• Almond butter

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how to make berry french toast bake: step-by-step

1. Spray an oven-safe 9×13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Tear the loaf of Simply Nature Organic Seedtastic bread into small pieces and add to prepared pan.

2. Add dollops of Greek yogurt and whipped cream cheese and use a spatula to spread evenly across the top. Add frozen blueberries on top and distribute evenly. 

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3. In a medium bowl, combine 1.25 cups of almond milk, 6 eggs, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted and cooled before adding), 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Use a whisk to combine well, then slowly pour over the top of the bread mixture (moving bowl back and forth to coat evenly) so it gradually absorbs the liquid. Sprinkle more cinnamon across the top.

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4. Cover pan tightly with foil and store in the refrigerator overnight. 

5. Next, make your homemade mixed berry chia jam to use for the topping. (This is quick to make and can be made in the morning while French toast bakes if you prefer, but if you make it the night before it will thicken a bit overnight.)

6. Add mixed berries, juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon to a small saucepan (all jam ingredients except chia seeds). Cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to bubble and smaller berries start to burst, around 5-7 minutes. Use a potato/meat masher to crush the remaining berries, and remove from heat.

7. Let cool for 10-15 minutes. Taste the mixture to make sure you’re happy with the sweetness and consistency. If you want your jam to be totally smooth, transfer cooled mixture to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. If you’re okay with some chunks, go ahead and transfer the jam to a large mason jar, and add chia seeds. Stir well to incorporate. Place mason jar in the fridge overnight to let it thicken.

8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and insert the French toast bake still covered with foil for 30 minutes. Then, bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

9. Heat up 1/2-3/4 cup of mixed berry jam in the microwave (if in a glass mason jar/microwave safe dish) for about 1 minute, then pour over the top of the casserole. Spread it out evenly using a spatula.

10. Serve warm. Add crushed walnuts or pecans, a drizzle of almond butter and/or maple syrup to serve, if desired. (I recommend adding crushed pecans to individual portions when serving, as opposed to topping the whole dish to avoid them getting soggy if you will be storing leftovers in the fridge.)

11. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days, or transfer to freezer. Enjoy! 

is this berry french toast bake freezer-friendly?

Yes! You can definitely freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe dish for up to three months. I cut it into individual servings before freezing, and then reheat pieces in the microwave as needed. If you would like to freeze the whole thing, bake it first (according to recipe directions), allow it to cool completely, and then freeze in freezer-safe dish. Let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking when you’re ready to make it.

serving suggestions for berry french toast bake

You can top this French toast bake however you please, but I personally think it is amazing with some type of nuts on top (walnuts, pecans, whatever you like) for a little crunch! I also suggest drizzling some almond butter and pure maple syrup. Such a delicious flavor combo! You may also add additional fruit and/or leftover chia jam, if desired.

can this be made ahead of time?

Yep! For the most part, this whole recipe is made in advance! You prepare the French toast bake and the topping the night before, and store in the refrigerator overnight. Then in the morning, you let the oven do the work and bake for about an hour, and voila! Perfect for Christmas morning, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, or any weekend brunch plans!

Click here to find an ALDI near you so you can pick up all the ingredients you need!

I hope you all love this Berry French Toast Bake, too! Please be sure to tag us @wellnessforthewin and @aldiusa so we can see your delicious creations!

Enjoy!

Shanna