Name: Cranberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces Challah bread or brioche, torn into 2-inch pieces; 2 cups fresh cranberries, divided; 2 cups whole milk; 4 eggs; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon flour; 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup pecans, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 61 reviews

If you are looking for a show-stopping, festive breakfast that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Cranberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine layers of soft, custardy challah bread mixed with bursts of fresh, tart cranberries, all topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping that bakes to golden perfection. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spice that brings holiday mornings to life but is simple enough to brighten any weekend brunch. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry French Toast Casserole Recipe, it will become a tradition you look forward to year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, including a large white bowl filled with yellow bread cubes on the upper left, a clear measuring cup containing bright red cranberries below it, and a small white dish with two spices (brown and light brown) above the cup; to the right are a white measuring cup with cream, four white eggs in a white bowl shaped like a cat paw, a dark brown small bottle, a bowl of chopped pecans, a small glass bowl with cinnamon, a bowl of light brown sugar, a small white dish with a white granulated ingredient, a small bowl of brown sugar, and a pile of cubed butter on white paper at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cranberry French Toast Casserole Recipe calls for ingredients you likely already love and have on hand. Each element plays a key role, from the rich custard that soaks into the bread to the fresh cranberries that pop with tartness and the pecan topping adding a wonderful crunchy contrast. Simple but essential, these ingredients create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures you’ll be craving.

16 ounces Challah bread or brioche: Soft, slightly sweet bread that soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
2 cups fresh cranberries, divided: Adds a bright, tart bite that balances the sweetness.
2 cups whole milk: Creates a creamy custard base to soak the bread thoroughly.
4 eggs: Bind the custard and give it structure and richness.
1/4 cup light brown sugar: Brings gentle sweetness and depth.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For warmth and aromatic sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds cozy, fragrant spice.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the seasonal flavor profile.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1-inch pieces: Key for the pecan topping’s rich, flaky texture.
1/3 cup light brown sugar: Sweetens the crunchy topping to perfection.
1 tablespoon flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients together.
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances nutty flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Continues the warm spice in the topping.
1 cup pecans, chopped: Provides irresistible crunch and buttery nuttiness.

How to Make Cranberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Cranberries

Start by coating a 2 to 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Tear your challah bread into roughly 2-inch pieces and pile them into the dish. Then sprinkle half of your fresh cranberries over the bread, creating a vibrant, ruby-red layer of tartness right in the middle of your casserole.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk just until you see little bubbles forming — this means your custard is perfectly mixed without overbeating.

Step 3: Combine Bread with Custard

Pour the custard mixture over the bread and cranberries in the casserole dish. With your hands, gently toss and press the bread so it absorbs the liquid, bathing every piece in creamy goodness. Cover your dish and pop it into the fridge to chill and soak for one hour. This step ensures every bite is rich and custardy.

Step 4: Preheat and Add Final Cranberries

While the casserole chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the soaking hour is up, remove the casserole from the fridge and give it another gentle toss, redistributing that custard evenly. Then, top the casserole with the remaining fresh cranberries to add a final burst of brightness before baking.

Step 5: Make the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl or your stand mixer, combine the cold butter pieces, brown sugar, flour, kosher salt, cinnamon, and pecans. Using a pastry cutter, mixer, or your fingers, blend these ingredients until crumbly but sticking together in small clusters—this topping will create an irresistible crunchy crust.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Scatter the pecan topping evenly over the casserole using two forks to drop bits gently. Bake your Cranberry French Toast Casserole Recipe uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. After baking, allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes—the casserole will firm up slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.

How to Serve Cranberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered baked dessert. The bottom layer is made up of golden bread pieces that look soft and slightly crispy. On top of the bread, there is a thick layer of bright red cranberries spread evenly. Over the cranberries, there is a crunchy topping made of mixed nuts, mainly pecans, and pieces of crumbled brown sugar or cinnamon mix forming a crumbly texture. A wooden spoon rests inside the dish on the right side, slightly stirring the dessert. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with two small white bowls nearby, one filled with fresh cranberries and the other with chopped nuts, along with cinnamon sticks, a small dark container, and a light blue cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh powdered sugar dusted on top creates a beautiful snowy effect, perfect for festive mornings. A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds the right amount of sticky sweetness, but it’s optional because this casserole is delicious on its own. For an extra special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprig of fresh rosemary for color and aroma.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with savory sides such as crispy breakfast bacon or sausage to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad offers a refreshing complement, while a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai rounds out your meal with warmth and comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, make this casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Or serve it family-style right out of the baking dish, letting everyone dive in with a cozy, communal feel. A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a handful of cranberries on the side can elevate the presentation and make your breakfast table pop with color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Cranberry French Toast Casserole Recipe (though that rarely happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days and still taste delicious reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before baking (after assembling) or after it’s baked and cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for best results. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake or reheat as needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole portions in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through to keep the crunchy topping crispy. A quick zap in the microwave works for a faster option but may soften the crust slightly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well, but it’s best to thaw and drain them to reduce extra moisture before adding to the casserole. This helps keep the custard from becoming too watery.

What bread is best for this casserole?

Challah or brioche are perfect due to their soft, slightly sweet texture that soaks up the custard wonderfully without turning mushy. If you can’t find those, day-old French bread or a sturdy sandwich bread can be used as a substitute.

Can I make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the whole milk with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a flax or chia egg mixture instead of chicken eggs. For the butter in the topping, a vegan butter or coconut oil alternative works well.

How far ahead can I assemble this casserole?

The casserole can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking, which makes it an excellent option for convenient holiday mornings or weekend brunch prep.

Is the pecan topping necessary?

The pecan topping adds an incredible texture contrast and flavor boost, but if you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a simpler version, you can skip it or substitute with streusel made from oats and cinnamon.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry French Toast Casserole Recipe is truly a game-changer for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Its creamy custard soaked bread, fresh-tart cranberries, and crunchy pecan topping come together like a symphony of holiday flavors, cozy and comforting in every bite. Don’t wait for a special occasion to try it — I promise this recipe will make any morning feel celebratory. So gather your ingredients, invite loved ones around, and enjoy a magical meal everyone will rave about!