Berry Stuffed French Toast

This Berry Stuffed French Toast is everything we want for a cozy brunch—pillowy bread, a creamy center, and bursts of juicy berries throughout. It’s easy to prep ahead, bakes up beautifully, and feels special without being fussy!

What Is Berry Stuffed French Toast?

Berry stuffed French toast is a baked breakfast or brunch dish made by filling delicate croissants with a smooth cream cheese and berry mixture, then soaking them in a lightly spiced custard. As it bakes, the outside turns golden while the center stays soft and creamy.

Unlike stovetop versions that require flipping and close attention, this baked version of berry stuffed French toast is hands-off and ideal for feeding a crowd. Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the custard evenly, keeping the inside warm and the exterior crisp without turning soggy.

Ingredients You Need for Stuffed French Toast with Berries

• Eggs – Eggs give the custard structure and help the filling heat through evenly as the French toast cooks.
• Milk – Milk adds moisture and creates a smooth custard that soaks into the croissants beautifully.
• Heavy Cream – Heavy cream helps to give the filling a silky texture.
• Cinnamon – This warm spice adds subtle depth and a cozy aroma; a small amount goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor.
• Sugar – Sugar lightly sweetens both the custard and the filling for a balanced flavor. Plus, it also helps the tops caramelize as the French toast bakes.
• Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract rounds out the custard with gentle sweetness and warmth. 
• Salt – A pinch of salt helps the flavors of all of the ingredients pop!
• Cream Cheese – This is the base that gives this cream cheese stuffed French toast its smooth, tangy center. Be sure to use a softened block, and not a container of whipped cream cheese, to get just the right rich consistency.
• Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, and Raspberries) – A mix of berries adds color, freshness, and juicy pops of flavor throughout the dish. 
• Croissants – Croissants give this recipe a buttery, layered texture that feels extra special. Slightly stale croissants absorb the custard better and hold their shape while baking.

How to Make Baked Berry Stuffed French Toast

1. Prepare the custard. In a mixing bowl, blend the eggs, milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
2. Mix the filling. In a separate bowl, stir the softened cream cheese with sugar until creamy, then gently fold in the berries so they stay mostly intact.
3. Create the pockets. Slice each croissant lengthwise, stopping short of cutting all the way through. This is key to making sure that the filling stays tucked inside and doesn’t leak out of the croissants.
4. Fill and arrange. Spoon the berry cream cheese mixture into each croissant, dip them in the egg mixture, and place them snugly into a greased baking dish.
5. Soak the bread. Slowly pour the custard over the croissants, making sure the tops and sides are evenly coated, then cover the dish and let it rest in the refrigerator.
6. Bake and finish. Once ready to cook, uncover the dish and allow it to come to room temperature to ensure it cooks evenly. Then, bake until the tops are golden and the centers feel warm and set. Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the center is not cold.
7. Serve. Dust with powdered sugar and add syrup, honey, or extra berries if desired. Serve on its own or alongside other brunch favorites like a Boursin scrambled egg bake, yogurt-filled granola cups, or a breakfast charcuterie board.

Variations on Stuffed French Toast with Berries

• Lemon Zest – A bit of lemon zest brightens the filling and pairs especially well with berries. It adds a fresh citrus note without extra sweetness!
• Single-Berry Version – Using only strawberries or blueberries creates a more focused flavor profile. This is a great option if you have only one berry on hand.
• Brioche – Use thick slices of brioche instead of croissants for a softer, custard-heavy texture. Slightly stale bread works best here, too.
• Mascarpone – Replacing cream cheese with mascarpone changes up the flavor profile just slightly, making it a touch milder.
• Spices – Adding nutmeg or cardamom gives the bake a bit more warmth.
• Nuts – A sprinkle of sliced almonds or chopped pecans on top adds contrast and a light crunch.

Can I Store Leftovers?

Once baked, leftover berry stuffed French toast tends to soften as it sits, but it’s still satisfying later!

Refrigerated leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed within 3 days, making this a great make-ahead brunch option.

For longer storage, portions can be frozen for up to 2 months, then reheated gently so the centers warm through without drying out.

Common Questions about Berry Stuffed French Toast

More Brunch-Worthy Recipes

Looking for more easy brunch recipes like this one? These sweet options are always a hit! 

Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Blueberry Mascarpone French Toast Bake

Cannoli Baked French Toast

Cinnamon Crunch Bagel French Toast Casserole