Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I created this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake because I wanted a breakfast that felt special but didn’t require standing over a hot stove on a holiday morning. This dish is the perfect balance of a rich, creamy filling and sweet, juicy berries. It comes together quickly the night before, and then you simply bake it while you enjoy your coffee. It is a truly effortless way to serve a crowd a memorable and delicious breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 16 ounces) French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Start by preparing your baking dish. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Arrange half of the bread cubes in an even layer in the bottom of the dish.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until it is smooth and creamy. Drop small spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread layer. Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the cream cheese. Top with the remaining bread cubes and the rest of the blueberries.
In a large bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Carefully pour this custard evenly over the entire dish, making sure to saturate all the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the custard.
When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes while the oven heats. Remove the plastic wrap. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Let the bake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with extra maple syrup if you like.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 8 generous servings. The active preparation time is about 20 minutes, but you must account for at least 4 hours of chilling time, with overnight being best. The bake time is 45 to 55 minutes, making the total time about 5 hours if you do a short chill, or overnight plus 1 hour 15 minutes.
Variations
You can easily adapt this bake to your tastes. For a different fruit, swap the blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries. If you prefer a more savory touch, reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the custard. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. You can also use a different type of bread, such as challah or a dense sourdough, for a unique texture.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend using the oven or a toaster oven. Place individual portions on a baking sheet and warm them at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. This will help restore some of the crispiness to the top. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, but the texture will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries directly from the bag. Do not thaw them first, as they will release too much liquid and make the bake soggy.
Can I make this dairy free?
You can try making this dairy free by using a dairy free cream cheese substitute and full fat oat milk or coconut milk for the milk and cream. The texture may be slightly less rich, but it will still be delicious.
Why did my French toast bake turn out soggy?
A soggy bake is usually the result of using too much custard or not letting the bread soak long enough. Make sure your bread is dry and stale, and that you let it chill for the full 4 hours. Also, be sure to bake it until the center is fully set.
Can I assemble this in advance and freeze it?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time.
How do I know when it is done?
The bake is done when the top is a deep golden brown and the center no longer jiggles when you gently shake the dish. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, without any wet custard.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake has become a staple in my home for holidays and lazy weekends alike. I love that I can prepare it the night before and wake up to a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a special treat. The combination of creamy cheese, tart berries, and soft, custardy bread is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making this for your family and friends as much as I do.
