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Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

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

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

  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