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5 from 1 vote

Berry French Toast Bake

This Berry French Toast Bake is easy to make, serves many and is a healthier option thanks to whole grain bread, a variety of fruit and high-protein additions like Greek yogurt!
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: breakfast casserole, french toast bake, french toast casserole, healthy brunch recipe
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 240kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Simply Nature Organic Seedtastic Whole Grain Bread
  • 1/2 cup Happy Farms Whipped Cream Cheese
  • 3/4 cup Friendly Farms Whole Milk Plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup Season's Choice blueberries frozen
  • 6 Simply Nature Grade A Organic Cage Free Eggs
  • 1.25 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 Tbsp Simply Nature Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil melted and cooled
  • 1/4 cup Specially Selected 100% Pure Maple Syrup
  • 1 tsp Simply Nature Organic Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Stonemill Pure Vanilla Extract

Mixed Berry Jam:

  • 2 cups Season's Choice Mixed Berries frozen
  • 1/4 cup Simply Nature Antioxidant Power 100% Juice or apple juice, or water
  • 1/4 cup Specially Selected 100% Pure Maple Syrup
  • 1/4 tsp Stonemill Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 tsp Simply Nature Organic Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp Simply Nature Chia Seeds

Optional Toppings:

  • Southern Grove Chopped Pecans
  • Simply Nature Creamy Almond Butter
  • Specially Selected 100% Pure Maple Syrup

Instructions

  • Spray an oven-safe 9x13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Tear the loaf of Seedtastic bread into small pieces and add to prepared pan.
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • Cover pan tightly with foil and store in the refrigerator overnight. 
  • 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 in advance it will allow it to thicken a bit overnight.)

Make Mixed Berry Chia Jam for topping:

  • 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.
  • 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.

Next Morning:

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

Notes

Use any leftover mixed berry chia jam for various dishes -- on whole grain toast, in oatmeal or overnight oats, etc.! 

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 248mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 204IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 2mg