Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole (Printable)
Golden baked dish with cream cheese, blueberries, and cinnamon streusel on custard-soaked bread. Perfect make-ahead brunch.
# What you'll need:
→ Bread & Dairy
01 - 1 loaf (1 lb) French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
03 - 4 large eggs
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Fruit
08 - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
→ Streusel Topping
09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar
11 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
13 - Pinch of salt
# How to make it:
01 - Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish thoroughly. Spread half of the bread cubes in an even layer across the bottom.
02 - Scatter cream cheese cubes and half the blueberries evenly over the bread. Top with remaining bread cubes and blueberries, distributing them uniformly.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing gently to ensure all bread pieces absorb the liquid.
04 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for optimal results and enhanced flavor development.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
06 - In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with a fork until the mixture reaches a crumbly, sand-like texture.
07 - Sprinkle streusel evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
08 - Cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You can assemble everything the night before and just pop it in the oven when guests arrive
- The contrast between warm custard soaked bread and tart juicy blueberries is absolutely worth the wait
02 -
- The overnight rest in the refrigerator is not optional for the best texture it transforms dry bread into something extraordinary
- Check the center at 40 minutes since ovens vary and you want it set but not dry
03 -
- Cube your cream cheese while it's cold but let it sit out while you assemble the rest so it's easier to cut through
- Use a fork to press the bread down into the custard rather than your hands to avoid compressing it too tightly