Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a deliciously sweet and creamy breakfast dish perfect for mornings when you want a hassle-free yet indulgent meal. Cubed French bread is soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, vanilla, and warming spices, then layered with sweetened cream cheese and juicy blueberries. After an overnight chill, the casserole bakes until golden and bubbly, delivering a perfect combination of soft texture and fruity bursts in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 pack (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, split
French Toast Base
- 2 loaves cubed French bread
- 2 cups milk
- 8 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Fruit
- 2 cups blueberries, divided
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and half of the vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Mix Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract, 2 cups milk, eggs, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Assemble Layers: In a greased baking dish, spread half of the cubed French bread evenly. Dot half of the cream cheese mixture over the bread, then sprinkle with 1 cup of blueberries. Repeat with the remaining bread, cream cheese mixture, and blueberries.
- Soak Overnight: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered casserole, pressing down slightly to ensure bread soaks up the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 to 12 hours.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake, uncovered, for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown, the custard is set, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps the custard set further and makes slicing easier. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or serve with maple syrup.
Notes
- Use day-old French bread for best texture as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used; if using frozen, no need to thaw before layering.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of orange zest or almond extract to the custard mixture.
- This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
