Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast bake featuring layers of cubed French bread, fresh blueberries, and creamy softened cream cheese, all soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices. Baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s a perfect dish for a cozy morning or special occasion breakfast.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 6 cups cubed French bread or brioche (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 8 oz softened cream cheese, cut into small cubes
Custard
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- Powdered sugar, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer the bread and fillings: Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Scatter half of the blueberries and half of the cream cheese cubes over the bread. Repeat the process layering the remaining bread, blueberries, and cream cheese cubes evenly.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, blueberries, and cream cheese. Allow the casserole to soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set further. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or blueberry sauce for extra sweetness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest to the custard mixture.
- Use challah or buttery brioche bread for a richer and more decadent casserole.
- Serve with maple syrup or blueberry sauce to enhance the sweetness and complement the flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
