Dreamy Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

A mouthwatering blueberry & cream cheese French toast casserole that promises pure breakfast bliss.

Mornings just got way more exciting with this dreamy dish.

Soft bread cubes drenched in a silky custard, nestled with creamy cheese and bursting blueberries.

Weekend brunch heroes, listen up – this recipe is about to become your secret weapon.

Each bite combines rich, tangy cream cheese with sweet, juicy blueberries in a way that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.

Simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical.

Trust me, you won’t be able to resist this incredible breakfast sensation that turns an ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Common Questions About Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen blueberries work perfectly! Just don’t thaw them before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• How can I prevent the bread from getting too soggy?

Use day-old or slightly stale bread, which absorbs the custard better without falling apart. French bread or brioche are excellent choices for maintaining texture.

• Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole before baking?

Absolutely! Refrigerating for at least 2 hours allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, creating a rich, custardy texture. Overnight is even better for deeper flavor development.

• Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes and use a gluten-free flour blend for the streusel topping. The recipe will still turn out delicious.

Why Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Feels So Special

• Create a Luxurious Breakfast Treat: This French toast casserole transforms ordinary morning meals into a decadent experience with creamy cream cheese and bursting blueberries that make breakfast feel like a special occasion.
• Minimize Morning Cooking Stress: Prepare everything the night before, allowing you to simply pop the casserole in the oven and enjoy a stress-free, gourmet breakfast without early morning kitchen chaos.
• Delight in Incredible Texture Combinations: Experience a perfect blend of soft, custardy bread, creamy cheese chunks, juicy blueberries, and crunchy streusel topping that creates an exciting multi-dimensional eating experience in every single bite.
• Easily Impress Brunch Guests: This show-stopping dish looks professionally made but requires minimal technical cooking skills, making it an ideal recipe for entertaining friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes In Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Main Ingredients:

Bread Base: – Bread Cubes: Soft, day-old bread provides the hearty foundation for the casserole, absorbing the rich custard perfectly.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that adds richness and creates delightful pockets of flavor throughout the dish.
• Blueberries: Fresh, sweet berries that burst with juicy flavor and add natural sweetness and color.

Custard Components:

Liquid Mixture: – Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Essential for creating a luxurious, silky custard that binds the casserole together.

• Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon: Warm spices and sweeteners that enhance the overall flavor profile and add depth to the dish.

Topping and Finishing:

Streusel Elements: – Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Dry ingredients that create a crunchy, caramelized topping.

• Cold Butter: Helps create a crumbly, crisp streusel texture that adds richness and contrast.

Finishing Touches: – Powdered Sugar: Light dusting for a sweet, decorative finish.

• Maple Syrup, Whipped Cream: Optional accompaniments that complement the casserole's flavors.

How To Make Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Create the Bread Foundation

Grab a baking dish and lovingly coat it with butter or cooking spray. Layer half of your bread cubes across the bottom, creating a cozy base. Sprinkle cream cheese chunks and a generous handful of blueberries over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes and another burst of blueberries, creating delicious layers of flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dreamy Custard

In a large mixing bowl, crack open your eggs and whisk them into a smooth mixture. Pour in milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and a warm dash of cinnamon. Blend everything until it’s silky and well combined. Gently pour this luxurious custard over the bread, softly pressing down to ensure every bread cube gets a luxurious bath. Cover and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours – overnight works magic for deeper flavors.

Step 3: Craft the Crunchy Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Cut in cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks like delicate, crumbly sand. Tuck this topping into the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Take the casserole out of the refrigerator and let it sit for 20 minutes to reach room temperature. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly across the surface, creating a beautiful crumbly landscape. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the custard sets like a perfect cloud.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes – patience is key! Dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar. Serve alongside maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Watch as your family and friends dive into this breakfast masterpiece with pure joy.

Tips For A Creamy Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Let bread cubes sit in the custard mixture overnight to soak up maximum flavor and achieve a custardy, moist texture that melts in your mouth.
• Customize Blueberry Intensity: Swap fresh blueberries with frozen ones or mix different berries like raspberries or strawberries for a personalized fruity twist.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Use day-old or slightly stale bread to help absorb the custard without becoming overly mushy, ensuring a perfect breakfast casserole consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that impresses guests.
• Dietary Adaptations: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, use gluten-free bread, and swap regular cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.

How To Store Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place casserole in a baking dish, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Cut individual portions and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check temperature and heat in 30-second intervals to avoid soggy texture.
• Freeze Well: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating using oven method.

What Goes Well With Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Brew Bold Morning Coffee: Pair this sweet breakfast casserole with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that cuts through the sweetness and complements the creamy texture.
• Squeeze Fresh Citrus Juice: Add a tangy orange or grapefruit juice to balance the rich, decadent flavors of the blueberry cream cheese french toast, providing a refreshing morning contrast.
• Create Creamy Side Delight: Serve a small dollop of extra whipped cream or vanilla yogurt alongside the casserole to enhance the dessert-like breakfast experience and add a smooth, cool element.
• Select Sparkling Brunch Beverage: Consider a light mimosa or sparkling apple cider to elevate the meal, adding a celebratory touch that matches the indulgent nature of the dish.

Tasty Spins On Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Tropical Sunrise Remix: Swap blueberries with diced mango and pineapple, adding shredded coconut to the streusel for a Caribbean-inspired breakfast sensation.
• Berry Cheesecake Indulgence: Mix in raspberries and strawberries alongside blueberries, creating a vibrant mixed-berry cheesecake-like experience with extra fruity layers.
• Nutty Autumn Harvest: Replace half the bread with cinnamon-raisin bread, sprinkle chopped pecans in the streusel, and add diced apples for a warm, seasonal transformation.
• Chocolate Breakfast Dream: Incorporate dark chocolate chips between bread layers, use chocolate-flavored cream cheese, and dust with cocoa powder for an indulgent morning treat.

Blueberry & Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy blueberry & cream cheese french toast casserole delivers weekend breakfast magic with minimal morning effort. Rich layers of tender bread, tangy cream cheese, and juicy blueberries promise pure comfort when sweet cravings call.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (about 1 lb / 450 g) French bread or brioche, cubed
• 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, cut into small cubes
• 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen blueberries
• 8 large eggs

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry and Topping Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Assemble the foundational layer by generously coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray. Distribute half the bread cubes uniformly across the surface, creating an initial mosaic of texture.

1. Strategically scatter cream cheese fragments and a generous handful of blueberries across the initial bread layer. Carefully crown this with the remaining bread cubes and additional blueberries, constructing a delectable architectural base.

1. Craft the luxurious custard fusion by whisking eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a spacious mixing bowl. Ensure each ingredient harmonizes into a silky, uniform liquid.

1. Gently cascade the custard mixture over the layered bread landscape, delicately pressing downward to guarantee complete moisture absorption. Envelop the dish with protective wrap and allow it to rest and meld flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours.

1. Fabricate the streusel crown by combining flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Integrate cold butter using fingertips or a pastry tool until the mixture transforms into rustic, uneven crumbs.

1. Remove the casserole from cold storage and permit it to acclimate to room temperature for approximately 20 minutes. Liberally dust the streusel across the surface, creating a textural canvas.

1. Heat the oven to 350F and position the casserole centrally. Bake uncovered until the top achieves a golden, crisp complexion and the custard sets firmly, approximately 45-50 minutes.

1. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole a brief rest of 10 minutes. Embellish with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar and accompany with maple syrup or a cloud of whipped cream for an indulgent finale.

Notes

• Optimize soaking time by letting the bread absorb the custard overnight, which guarantees maximum flavor and perfect texture.
• Substitute challah or brioche for standard bread to elevate the richness and create a more luxurious breakfast experience.
• Experiment with alternative berries like raspberries or mixed frozen fruits for diverse flavor profiles and seasonal adaptations.
• Reduce sugar content by using low-fat cream cheese and replacing some sugar with monk fruit sweetener for a lighter, diabetic-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 389
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 345 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 187 mg