Ultimate Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

Mornings brighten when blueberry magic transforms ordinary cream cheese french toast casserole into something extraordinary.

Summer’s sweet berries dance between soft bread layers, creating unexpected flavor symphonies.

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful breakfast marvel that feels like a warm hug.

Rich cream cheese melts into golden bread cubes, promising decadent texture in every single bite.

Weekend brunch champions will adore how simple ingredients blend into such a spectacular dish.

Guests around your table might just believe you trained in a professional kitchen.

This recipe guarantees delighted smiles and empty plates before the first coffee is finished.

FAQs for Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast

• Why should I refrigerate the casserole before baking?

Refrigerating allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish. It helps the bread soak up all the delicious egg, milk, and cream mixture, ensuring a rich and creamy texture when baked.

• Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just add them directly to the casserole without thawing. Keep in mind that frozen blueberries might release more moisture, which could slightly affect the texture of the final dish.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check by inserting a knife near the center – it should come out clean and the casserole should look firm but slightly jiggly in the middle.

• Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before and keep it refrigerated. In the morning, simply take it out, add the streusel topping, and bake as directed.

Why This French Toast Casserole Stands Out

• Perfect for weekend brunches or special morning gatherings, this make-ahead casserole eliminates morning stress with minimal prep time.
• Combines creamy cream cheese, juicy blueberries, and sweet streusel topping that will delight both kids and adults, making it a universally loved breakfast dish.
• Assemble the night before and simply bake in the morning, allowing busy families to enjoy a gourmet-style breakfast without complicated cooking techniques.
• Adaptable for different occasions like holiday brunches, potlucks, or family gatherings, this casserole impresses with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Bread Cubes: Soft, day-old bread provides the perfect foundation for soaking up the rich custard.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that adds richness and creates pockets of delightful flavor.

• Blueberries, Fresh: Sweet summer berries that burst with juicy flavor and add vibrant color to the casserole.

• Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Classic custard base that creates a silky, luxurious texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the entire dish.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the blueberries and adds cozy flavor.

• Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Dry ingredients that create a crumbly, sweet topping.
• Cold Butter: Helps create a crispy, crumbly streusel texture.

• Powdered Sugar: Optional dusting for extra sweetness and presentation.
• Maple Syrup: Optional sweet drizzle to enhance the breakfast casserole.
• Whipped Cream: Optional creamy topping for added indulgence.

How to Prep French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Create the Bread Foundation

• Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray
• Layer half of the bread cubes across the bottom of the dish
• Scatter cream cheese cubes and blueberries over the first bread layer
• Top with remaining bread cubes and blueberries

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Custard

• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon

Gently pour custard over bread layers, softly pressing to ensure complete bread absorption

Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight

Step 3: Mix the Crunchy Streusel Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Cut cold butter into mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs

Refrigerate until needed

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F

Remove casserole from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes

Sprinkle streusel topping evenly across surface

Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top turns golden and custard sets

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow casserole to cool for 10 minutes

Dust with powdered sugar

Serve with maple syrup or whipped cream if desired

Blueberry French Toast Tips You’ll Love

• Soak Bread Thoroughly: Press down gently when adding custard to ensure every bread cube absorbs the creamy mixture, creating a consistently moist and flavorful texture throughout the casserole.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the casserole overnight to allow bread to fully soak up the custard, developing deeper, richer flavors and a more luxurious consistency.
• Balance Blueberry Distribution: Scatter blueberries evenly between bread layers to guarantee each bite has a burst of fruity sweetness and prevents soggy patches.
• Customize Streusel Crunch: Use cold butter when making the streusel topping to create perfect crumbly texture that adds delightful crispy contrast to the soft, creamy base.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for an effortless, impressive breakfast or brunch dish.

How to Keep This Casserole Tasting Great

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to prevent overcooking.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What Goes with French Toast Casserole

• A creamy, warm vanilla latte balances the richness of the blueberry cream cheese casserole, complementing its sweet and tangy flavors with gentle caffeine warmth.
• A light, homemade berry compote adds extra fruity brightness, enhancing the blueberry notes and providing a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, custardy casserole.
• Sprinkle crispy, sweet candied pecans on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft, creamy texture of the french toast, adding nutty depth to each bite.
• A sparkling, slightly dry prosecco cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and provides a festive, elegant touch perfect for brunch or special morning celebrations.

Try These French Toast Variations

• Gluten-Free Blueberry Delight: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes and use gluten-free flour for the streusel topping. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free French Toast Bake: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and milk. Replace butter in streusel with dairy-free margarine.
• Low-Sugar Berry Casserole: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use fresh berries and reduce overall sugar content. Add almond flour to streusel for extra nutrition.
• Vegan Breakfast Casserole: Use silken tofu instead of eggs. Select plant-based milk and vegan cream cheese. Replace butter with coconut oil in streusel. Add chia seeds for binding.

Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting blueberry & cream cheese french toast casserole delights breakfast lovers with its rich, creamy layers of indulgence. Baked to golden perfection, this dish promises a delectable morning experience that will make breakfast the most anticipated meal of your day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread:

• 1 loaf (450 g / 1 lb) French bread or brioche, cubed

Fruit and Dairy:

• 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen blueberries
• 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, cut into small cubes

Wet Ingredients:

• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping Ingredients:

• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Layer half of the bread chunks across the bottom of the dish, creating an even foundation for the subsequent ingredients.
3. Delicately distribute cream cheese cubes and a generous handful of blueberries across the initial bread layer.
4. Complete the layering process by covering the first layer with remaining bread chunks and scattering additional blueberries throughout.
5. Construct the rich custard base by whisking eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Gently pour the custard mixture over the bread layers, softly pressing downward to guarantee complete ingredient saturation.
7. Wrap the baking dish securely and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to meld and bread to absorb the liquid.
8. Prepare the streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
9. Incorporate cold butter into the dry ingredients, using a fork or pastry cutter to create a crumbly, textured mixture.
10. Remove the casserole from refrigeration and let it rest at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes prior to baking.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution.
12. Sprinkle the prepared streusel evenly across the casserole’s surface, ensuring complete coverage.
13. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown hue and the custard sets completely.
14. Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes, permitting the structure to stabilize.
15. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar and offering maple syrup or whipped cream as optional accompaniments.

Notes

• Make ahead to enhance flavors by assembling the casserole the night before, allowing bread to fully absorb the rich custard mixture and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Swap bread types like brioche or challah for extra richness, or use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture and taste.
• Customize blueberry distribution by folding some berries into the custard or sprinkling extra on top right before baking for bursts of fresh fruity flavor throughout the dish.
• Prevent soggy bottom by using day-old bread or lightly toasting bread cubes before assembling, which helps absorb custard while maintaining a delightful crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg