Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Berries and Applesauce Recipe

Introduction

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and effortless way to start your day. Layers of slightly dried bread, fresh berries, and a custard-like mixture create a comforting and fruity breakfast that you prepare the night before. Simply bake it in the morning and enjoy warm or cold.

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

1. Step 1: If the bread is not already slightly dry or hard, let it sit uncovered for a day or bake slices at 300°F for 15 minutes to dry them out.
2. Step 2: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Cut the bread into approximately 1-inch pieces and spread them evenly in the pan.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together applesauce, milk, egg whites, maple syrup, and vanilla extract (omit vanilla if using vanilla-flavored milk).
4. Step 4: Pour the mixture evenly over the bread pieces in the pan.
5. Step 5: Evenly scatter the berries on top of the custard-soaked bread.
6. Step 6: Cover the pan and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak.
7. Step 7: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole in the center rack and bake for about 1 hour or until the bread is lightly golden.
8. Step 8: Serve the casserole hot or cold, as preferred. Enjoy your easy, fruity breakfast!

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread to help absorb the custard better without becoming soggy.
• Swap berries with other fruits like diced apples, peaches, or pears for seasonal variation.
• For a richer texture, substitute whole eggs for egg whites.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm spice flavor.
• Drizzle extra maple syrup or honey on top before serving for added sweetness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or enjoy the casserole cold right from the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen berries work well. Just thaw them slightly and drain excess liquid before adding to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based milk, replace egg whites with additional applesauce or a commercial egg substitute, and swap maple syrup for another vegan sweetener if desired.

Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Berries and Applesauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 82 reviews

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a wholesome and delicious make-ahead morning meal featuring layers of slightly dried bread soaked in a creamy mixture of applesauce, milk, egg whites, and maple syrup, topped with fresh berries. It’s perfect for busy mornings and can be enjoyed hot or cold, offering a nutritious and satisfying start to your day.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus overnight refrigeration
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

1. Prepare the Bread: If the bread is not already slightly dry or stale, let it sit uncovered for a day to harden, or alternatively bake the slices in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes to dry them out.
2. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Cut the slightly dried bread into approximately 1-inch pieces and layer evenly in the pan.
3. Mix the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or mashed banana), milk, egg whites (or extra milk), pure maple syrup (or agave or honey), and vanilla extract if using. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread layer in the pan.
4. Add the Berries: Spread the 6 cups of fresh berries evenly over the custard-soaked bread layer.
5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture and the flavors to meld.
6. Bake the Casserole: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the casserole on the center rack and bake for 1 hour or until the bread is lightly golden and the custard is set.
7. Serve: Enjoy the casserole warm right out of the oven or chilled, as per your preference.

Notes

• If using vanilla-flavored milk, omit the vanilla extract for fewer competing flavors.
• Substitute applesauce with mashed banana for a different natural sweetness and flavor.
• Egg whites can be replaced with additional milk for a vegan-friendly or egg-free version, noting texture differences.
• Use any fresh or frozen berries according to season and availability.
• The casserole can be prepared a day in advance, making it an ideal breakfast for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
• For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling nuts or seeds on top before baking.

Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, berry breakfast bake, make-ahead breakfast, healthy breakfast casserole, baked French toast casserole