Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Berries and Applesauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the Berries: Spread the 6 cups of fresh berries evenly over the custard-soaked bread layer.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture and the flavors to meld.
- 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.
- 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
