If you are searching for a breakfast dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine layers of soft French bread soaked in a rich custard, filled with pockets of creamy, tangy cream cheese and bursting with fresh blueberries. Every bite combines sweet and tart with a custardy texture that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just craving something special to start your day, this casserole hits all the right notes and delivers a beautiful, crowd-pleasing presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is straightforward but essential. Together, they create a symphony of flavors and textures that feel both luxurious and homey. From the creamy richness of the cream cheese to the bright pop of blueberries and the warm embrace of cinnamon-spiced custard, every element plays a crucial role.
- Cubed French bread or brioche: Use fresh or frozen; its sturdy texture soaks up the custard perfectly.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries: These add a juicy tart burst that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
- Cream cheese, softened and cubed: Provides luscious pockets of creamy tang that make the casserole extra special.
- Large eggs: The backbone of the custard, they bind everything together with richness.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and keeps the custard smooth and tender.
- Heavy cream: Boosts the richness for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering.
- Brown sugar: Introduces a deep, caramel-like warmth and complexity.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a fragrant sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that complements the blueberries beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (for serving): A delicate dusting to finish and add visual appeal.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Layer the Bread
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish, making sure the pieces cover the surface nicely. Then, scatter half of the blueberries and half of the cream cheese cubes over the bread. Repeat this layering with the remaining bread, blueberries, and cream cheese. This layering technique ensures every slice you serve has beautiful pockets of blueberry and cream cheese.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the sugars have dissolved. This custard is the magic that transforms the bread into a custardy, flavorful masterpiece.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread, blueberries, and cream cheese in the dish. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully. For an even more tender and flavorful result, cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight. This soaking time is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is golden on top and set in the middle. Let it rest for 10 minutes to finish cooking and firm up before serving.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A gentle dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely, delicate sweetness and makes the casserole look as good as it tastes. For an extra special touch, consider adding fresh blueberries or sprigs of mint on top. A drizzle of pure maple syrup or a homemade blueberry sauce amps up the blueberry goodness and adds a beautiful glisten to the dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its richness. Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with citrus dressing offers a refreshing contrast. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausages introduce a savory element that rounds out the meal perfectly, creating a well-balanced brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Layer it in a clear glass baking dish to showcase the beautiful layers of bread, cream cheese, and blueberries, turning your meal into a feast for the eyes. Adding edible flowers or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can create an impressive presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It maintains its flavor and texture well, making it a convenient option for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Freezing
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. For best enjoyment, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes until warmed through, which helps retain the crisp texture on top. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works for a busy morning, but the oven method is best to revive that freshly baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use other berries instead of blueberries?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries can be delicious substitutes or additions to the casserole, offering slightly different flavor profiles that still complement the creamy custard beautifully.
Do I have to soak the casserole overnight?
While you can soak the casserole for just 30 minutes at room temperature, soaking overnight gives the bread lots of time to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
What bread works best for this casserole?
French bread and brioche are ideal choices due to their sturdy texture and ability to soak up custard without becoming mushy. Challah or any slightly dense, buttery bread also works wonderfully for richness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the bread for a gluten-free variety that is sturdy enough to hold up to the custard soak. Be sure to double-check your other ingredients for gluten content as well.
How do I avoid the casserole being soggy?
Proper soaking time is key, but avoid over-soaking the bread at room temperature for too long. Baking uncovered for part of the time helps the top crisp up nicely. Resting the casserole after baking also allows it to set and prevents sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about waking up to a warm, fragrant Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe waiting for you in the oven. It’s a dish that is as comforting as it is impressive, perfect for sharing with family or friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it effortlessly turns an ordinary morning into a memorable occasion filled with smiles, satisfaction, and maybe a little bit of that sweet blueberry magic.
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast bake featuring layers of cubed French bread or brioche, fresh blueberries, and creamy cream cheese cubes soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla custard. Baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, it offers a rich, comforting start to your day with bursts of fruity and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed French bread or brioche (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese, cut into small cubes
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Layer the Ingredients: 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 this layering process with the remaining bread, blueberries, and cream cheese cubes.
- Mix the Custard: 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 and fruit. Let the casserole soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a more infused flavor and better texture.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the custard set without drying out the top.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and fully set in the center.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to firm up. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest to the custard mixture for a bright, citrusy note.
- Use challah or buttery brioche bread to create a richer, more decadent casserole.
- Serve with maple syrup or a homemade blueberry sauce to enhance the sweetness and fruitiness.
