Description
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast casserole featuring layers of soft French bread, tangy cream cheese, and fresh blueberries soaked in a sweet custard. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for brunch or a special morning treat.
Ingredients
Bread and Cheese
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
Custard Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the bread and cheese layers: Place half of the cubed French bread evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop small spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the bread layer and sprinkle half of the fresh blueberries on top.
- Add the remaining bread and blueberries: Layer the remaining bread cubes over the cream cheese and blueberry layer. Then sprinkle the rest of the blueberries evenly on top.
- Whisk the custard: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour custard over the bake: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and blueberries, making sure all pieces are soaked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, set, and golden brown on top.
- Cool and serve: Allow the French toast bake to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Use stale or day-old French bread for best texture to absorb custard.
- Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture for extra warmth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
