This indulgent breakfast casserole is the perfect way to start your day with a little sweetness and a lot of love. While it’s designed for breakfast or brunch, it’s rich and satisfying enough to be served as dessert. Preparing it the night before makes it a convenient option for holidays or special occasions. The addition of a homemade blueberry sauce takes this dish to the next level, though you can easily adapt the recipe with other fruits like blackberries or strawberries. It’s like bread pudding meets French toast in one irresistible dish!
Ingredients for Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
- 12 slices bread, any type, or 1 loaf of French bread
- 2 packages cream cheese, room temperature (8 oz each / 225 g each)
- 2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen, divided (480 ml)
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey (80 ml)
For Blueberry Sauce:
- 1 cup sugar (200 g)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (15 g)
- 1 cup water (240 ml)
- 1 Tbsp butter (15 g)
Instructions for Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Prepare the Bread Base:
Spray a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray. Cut or tear the bread into cubes and evenly layer them in the dish.
Add Cream Cheese and Blueberries:
Cut the cream cheese into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes and scatter them over the bread. Sprinkle 1 cup (240 ml) of blueberries evenly on top.
Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and maple syrup until fully combined. Gradually pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring it is absorbed but not overly soggy. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.
Make the Blueberry Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add the water and stir until smooth. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it boils, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Add Blueberries to the Sauce:
Stir in the remaining 1 cup (240 ml) of blueberries and simmer for 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the berries start to burst. Leave some berries whole for texture.
Finish the Sauce:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter. Transfer the sauce to a glass or plastic container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Bake the Casserole:
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and place it, covered, in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
Finish Baking:
Uncover the casserole and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set.
Warm the Blueberry Sauce:
While the casserole finishes baking, reheat the blueberry sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. Serve the sauce generously over the casserole.
Alternate Sauce Option:
For a quick alternative, heat fruit preserves (any flavor) in a small saucepan with 1 Tbsp (8 g) cornstarch. Stir until smooth and add fresh fruit if desired. Heat until thickened, then serve.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead dish for a stress-free breakfast or brunch. It’s sweet, creamy, and bursting with blueberry flavor, perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to a special morning meal. Try experimenting with different fruits to keep the recipe fresh and exciting. With its ease of preparation and luxurious taste, it’s sure to become a new favorite!
