Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful and creamy breakfast dish perfect for preparing the night before. Layers of cubed french bread are combined with a rich cream cheese mixture and a flavorful egg custard, all studded with fresh blueberries. After an overnight soak, it bakes to a golden, custardy finish that’s perfect for a special morning treat or brunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 pack (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, split
- 1 cup blueberries
Bread Layers
- 2 loaves cubed french bread (about 10–12 cups, separated)
Egg Mixture
- 2 cups milk
- 8 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (1 tablespoon total minus 1 teaspoon used in cream cheese mixture)
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries so they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the Bread Layers: In a 10×14-inch baking dish, layer half of the cubed french bread evenly on the bottom. Spread the cream cheese mixture over this layer. Then top with the remaining bread cubes to form a second layer.
- Prepare and Add the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, 8 eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, cinnamon powder, and ground nutmeg until fully combined. Pour this egg custard evenly over the layered bread in the baking dish, making sure all pieces are soaked. Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove the dish from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking.
- Bake the Dish: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for about 30 more minutes until the top is lightly browned and the center is set. Total baking time is approximately 75 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, fruit-studded french toast casserole warm for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old french bread or slightly stale bread for better custard absorption.
- You can substitute fresh blueberries with frozen ones; just thaw and drain them before using.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it ideal for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Optionally, sprinkle powdered sugar or serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit on top for added sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12 of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, blueberry French toast, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, make-ahead brunch, creamy casserole
