Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines the rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla with fresh blueberries and creamy cream cheese. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite, ideal for a cozy family brunch or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 pack (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
Main Casserole
- 2 loaves French bread, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 8 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups blueberries, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and half of the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a large baking dish. Layer half of the cubed French bread evenly in the dish. Dot half of the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes, then sprinkle with 1 cup of blueberries. Add the remaining bread cubes over the fruit and cream cheese layer.
- Add Remaining Blueberries: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of blueberries evenly over the top layer of bread cubes.
- Mix Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour Custard over Bread: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled bread and blueberries in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread is soaked.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to allow the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra blueberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use day-old French bread for better texture; it absorbs custard well without becoming too soggy.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- The casserole can be assembled the night before for easy morning preparation.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- Adding a streusel topping before baking can provide an extra crunchy texture.
