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