If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast or brunch game, this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender cubes of French bread soaked in a rich custard, studded with bursts of juicy blueberries, and pockets of luscious cream cheese that melt into velvety goodness as it bakes to a golden perfection. Sweet hints of cinnamon and vanilla mingle with the maple syrup glaze to create a warm, comforting dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat to wow your family or guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delicious casserole gets its magic from simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, each playing its role in flavor, texture, or color. From the creamy tang of the cream cheese to the sweet juiciness of the blueberries, you’ll love how these components come together.
- 1 loaf French bread (about 14 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes: Provides a sturdy, slightly crusty base that holds the custard wonderfully.
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries: Bursts of fruity sweetness with a beautiful pop of color throughout the casserole.
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed: Adds creamy richness and slight tang that contrasts perfectly with the sweet elements.
- 8 large eggs: The key ingredient for the custard, helping bind everything together beautifully.
- 2½ cups whole milk: Contributes to the custard’s silky texture and creamy mouthfeel.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Elevates the richness, making each bite decadent and smooth.
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey: Sweetens naturally, adding a lovely depth of flavor with a touch of caramel notes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Offers a subtle spice that complements both the blueberries and cream cheese beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and intensifies the sweetness and flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Drizzled on top for a golden, rich crust once baked.
- Powdered sugar and extra maple syrup for serving: Optional but delightful finishing touches to make it irresistible.
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Bread, Cream Cheese, and Blueberries
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure your casserole won’t stick. Layer half of your cubed French bread evenly in the dish. Scatter the cream cheese cubes and blueberries over this bread layer. These chunks of cream cheese will melt into comforting pockets of richness as it bakes. Then, cover with the remaining bread cubes so that the creamy and fruity layers are perfectly sandwiched.
Step 2: Prepare and Pour the Custard
In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This custard mixture is what will soak into the bread, filling it with incredible flavor and a tender texture. Pour this over the layered bread, cream cheese, and blueberries, making sure every piece gets bathed in the custard. Gently press down to help the bread absorb the liquid deeply.
Step 3: Chill the Casserole
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or, better yet, overnight. This step is essential because it allows the bread to soak up the custard fully, resulting in a creamy interior with a satisfying custard consistency after baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the soaked casserole to encourage a beautiful golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 25 to 30 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set but still tender.
Step 5: Let it Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow your Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the custard firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall eating experience.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of snowy sweetness and a lovely presentation, while an extra drizzle of warm maple syrup brings a final, delicious layer of flavor that complements the creamy and fruity base perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad for added freshness, a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence, or a simple cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness. It’s versatile enough to be the star or part of a grand breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with a few fresh blueberries and mint leaves for an elegant touch. For brunch parties, setting up a toppings bar with nuts, fresh fruits, and syrups allows everyone to customize their slice, making the experience even more fun and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover casserole tightly and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and tastes just as good when reheated, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn. When you want to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the texture returns to creamy delight. For the best results, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than French bread in this casserole?
Absolutely! Brioche or challah are excellent alternatives that add a richer texture and slightly sweeter flavor, enhancing the overall creaminess and decadence of the dish.
Do I have to thaw frozen blueberries before using?
It’s best to use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer. Thawing them can cause the berries to bleed and discolor the custard, whereas adding them frozen helps maintain vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Can I make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?
While this version uses cream cheese and dairy-heavy custard, you can experiment with plant-based milks, vegan cream cheese, and egg substitutes to make a vegan-friendly version. Keep in mind texture and flavor may vary.
How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?
Chilling the casserole for at least 2 hours is essential, but you can refrigerate it covered overnight, which actually helps the bread soak up the custard better for an even more luscious result.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole without cream cheese?
You can omit the cream cheese, but it does provide a wonderful contrasting creaminess and tang. Without it, the casserole will be more like traditional French toast bake, still delicious but less rich.
Final Thoughts
If you want a breakfast that feels special but is surprisingly simple to prepare, the Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser anytime you serve it. I promise, once you experience the comfort of this baked delight, it will become a staple in your kitchen for weekend mornings and leisurely brunches alike.
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus at least 2 hours chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luscious Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch. This recipe features cubed French bread layered with cream cheese and fresh blueberries, soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream, then baked to a golden perfection. Served with powdered sugar and maple syrup, it’s an indulgent yet easy-to-make dish that can be prepared ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 loaf French bread (about 14 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for serving
- Extra maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer the bread and fillings: Place half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish. Scatter the cream cheese cubes and blueberries evenly over this layer. Then, top with the remaining bread cubes to form the base of the casserole.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine custard with bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and blueberries. Gently press down on the bread cubes to help them absorb the custard well.
- Chill the casserole: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak fully.
- Preheat the oven: Remove the casserole from the fridge and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add melted butter and bake: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set further. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with extra maple syrup if desired for added sweetness.
Notes
- You can swap in brioche or challah bread for a richer, more tender texture.
- If using frozen blueberries, avoid thawing them first to prevent the color from bleeding into the casserole.
- Leftover casserole reheats nicely in the microwave or oven—just warm until heated through.
- For a dairy-free twist, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cream cheese.
