Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring layers of cubed French bread, sweetened cream cheese, and fresh blueberries soaked in a cinnamon and nutmeg-infused custard. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, it offers a creamy, fruity, and comforting start to your day with minimal morning prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 pack (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, divided
Fruit
- 2 cups blueberries, divided
Bread and Custard
- 2 loaves cubed French bread
- 2 cups milk
- 8 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and half of the vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble the Base Layer: In a large greased baking dish, spread half of the cubed French bread evenly. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the bread and gently spread it out. Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Add the Second Layer: Add the remaining cubed French bread on top of the fruit and cream cheese layer. Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture evenly on the bread and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of blueberries over the top layer.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2 cups of milk, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour Custard Over Bread: Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and blueberries, pressing down gently to ensure the bread soaks up the custard.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 to 12 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Serve Warm: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with powdered sugar or extra blueberries for presentation. Enjoy your comforting overnight French toast casserole warm for breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- Use day-old French bread or slightly stale bread for best texture to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
- Feel free to substitute blueberries with other berries or fruit of your choice.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before to save time in the morning.
- Use a 9×13 inch baking dish or something similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
