Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
This Sweet Cream Berry Breakfast Bake holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of quiet weekend mornings at my grandmother’s house. I was always the first one awake, sneaking into the kitchen to smell the sweetness of fresh berries mingling with warm cream and baked golden custard. The aroma would wrap the whole house in comfort, and I’d sit by the window with a mug of tea, savoring every bite before anyone else stirred.
Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe to make it simple yet indulgent. It’s a recipe that makes mornings feel like a celebration a soft, creamy, berry-filled hug that brings women and families together. Every time I make it, my kitchen feels warmer, and my heart a little fuller. Today, I’m thrilled to share it with you. This Sweet Cream Berry Breakfast Bake is perfect for a Sunday brunch, a holiday morning, or just a treat to make an ordinary day extraordinary.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something magical about a breakfast bake that combines fresh berries, soft custard, and a hint of vanilla. I love this recipe because it’s forgiving you can use whatever berries are in season or frozen, and it always turns out beautifully. It’s a recipe that’s simple enough for weeknights but feels fancy enough for company.
I also love that it’s made in one dish. Minimal dishes, maximum comfort! Watching the berries bubble and the custard set in the oven gives me that cozy satisfaction only a homemade breakfast can provide. And the best part? It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table. Watching my family scoop warm, creamy bites onto their plates while chatting and laughing that’s the magic of this recipe.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful breakfast bake:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes (about 6 cups)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for sprinkling on top)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
Little kitchen secrets:
- If using frozen berries, do not thaw just toss them in gently with the bread. This keeps the custard from turning pink and watery.
- Let the custard mixture sit on the bread cubes for at least 10 minutes before baking this allows the bread to soak up all that creamy sweetness.
- For extra richness, you can replace 1/2 cup of milk with additional cream.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest until fully combined.
- Place your bread cubes into the prepared baking dish. Scatter berries evenly over the top.
- Pour the custard mixture slowly over the bread and berries, pressing lightly with a spatula to ensure the bread soaks up the liquid.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top. This creates a lightly caramelized crust as it bakes.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. This helps the bake set further and makes it easier to serve.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Sweet Cream Berry Breakfast Bake straight from the oven, slightly warm, with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of fresh berries on top adds a beautiful touch.
It’s perfect with a cup of coffee, a pot of tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Sometimes, I like to serve it with toasted almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra charm. No matter how you serve it, it always brings smiles to the table.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or the whole dish at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble this breakfast bake the night before. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning without adjusting the temperature or time the result will be just as magical.
100-Word Short Version
This Sweet Cream Berry Breakfast Bake is a warm, comforting treat perfect for weekend mornings. Made with soft bread cubes, fresh or frozen berries, and a creamy custard, it bakes to golden perfection with a lightly caramelized top. Simply whisk eggs, cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla, pour over bread and berries, sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake for 45–50 minutes. Serve warm with maple syrup or whipped cream. It’s easy, delicious, and brings family together. Make it ahead or enjoy fresh either way, it’s a cozy, flavorful start to any day.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 50 minutes
- Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>6 large eggs</li> <li>1 cup heavy cream</li> <li>1 cup whole milk</li> <li>1/2 cup granulated sugar</li> <li>1 tsp pure vanilla extract</li> <li>1/4 tsp salt</li> <li>1 tsp lemon zest (optional)</li> <li>1 loaf brioche or challah, cubed (6 cups)</li> <li>2 cups fresh or frozen mixed berries</li> <li>2 tbsp brown sugar</li> <li>1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.</li> <li>Whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest.</li> <li>Place bread cubes in dish and scatter berries on top.</li> <li>Pour custard over bread and berries, pressing gently.</li> <li>Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top.</li> <li>Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and set.</li> <li>Cool 5–10 minutes before serving.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes
- Use frozen berries without thawing to avoid watery custard.
- Let custard soak for at least 10 minutes before baking.
- Can replace 1/2 cup milk with cream for extra richness.
- Make-ahead: Assemble overnight in fridge, bake in morning.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 320 kcal 🍓
Protein: 9 g 🥚
Carbs: 40 g 🍞
Sugar: 18 g 🍯
Fat: 15 g 🧈
Saturated Fat: 9 g 🥛
Fiber: 3 g 🌿
Cholesterol: 130 mg 🥚
Sodium: 200 mg 🧂
Sweet Cream Berry Breakfast Bake
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Cream Berry Breakfast Bake is a cozy, comforting breakfast made with creamy custard, soft bread, and fresh berries. Perfect for weekends or holiday mornings, it’s easy to make and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 loaf brioche or challah, cubed (6 cups)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen mixed berries
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest.
- Place bread cubes in dish and scatter berries on top.
- Pour custard over bread and berries, pressing gently.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use frozen berries without thawing to avoid watery custard. Let custard soak for at least 10 minutes before baking. Can replace 1/2 cup milk with cream for extra richness. Make-ahead: Assemble overnight in fridge, bake in morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 130
Conclusion
Every time I make this Sweet Cream Berry Breakfast Bake, I feel like I’m sharing a piece of my kitchen memories with my family and now with you. It’s a recipe that’s simple, heartwarming, and full of love. The creamy custard, the sweetness of berries, and the gentle crunch on top make mornings feel special. I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own cozy mornings, invite your loved ones to the table, and make memories one sweet bite at a time. Cooking is love, and this breakfast bake is my way of sharing it with you