Overnight Blueberry French Toast Recipe
Introduction
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a delightful and easy breakfast bake that combines creamy cream cheese, fresh blueberries, and custardy bread soaked overnight. Perfect for busy mornings or special brunches, it offers a sweet and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
- 12 slices day old Texas toast, cut into 1-inch cubes (or 1 loaf of French bread)
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup blueberries, fresh or canned
- 2 cups milk
- 12 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup blueberries, fresh or canned (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Step 2: Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes over the bread, then sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries on top. Add the remaining bread cubes as the final layer.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until well combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
- Step 4: About 30 minutes before baking, remove the French toast from the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 5: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Step 6: To prepare the blueberry topping, combine cornstarch, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a boil. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Step 7: Stir in the remaining 1 cup of blueberries. Simmer for a few minutes if using canned blueberries, or about 10 minutes if using fresh blueberries until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Step 8: Remove from heat, stir in the salted butter until melted, and pour the warm blueberry topping over the baked French toast before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Day-old bread works best to soak up the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
- Use frozen blueberries if fresh are not available; just thaw and drain before using.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into the egg mixture.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. The blueberry topping can be stored separately in an airtight container and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Yes, French bread, brioche, or challah are all great options. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale to absorb the custard well.
Can I prepare this recipe without the cream cheese?
Yes, you can omit the cream cheese, but it adds a rich, creamy texture that helps balance the sweetness and adds tang. You might want to add a little extra vanilla or cinnamon if skipping it.
Print
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a luscious, make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring layers of buttery Texas toast, creamy cream cheese, and juicy blueberries. Soaked overnight in a rich egg and milk mixture, it bakes to a perfectly custardy texture. Topped with a homemade blueberry sauce, this dish combines sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors for a delightful morning treat.
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 12 slices day old Texas toast, cut into 1-inch cubes (or 1 loaf of French bread)
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup blueberries, fresh or canned
- 2 cups milk
- 12 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
Blueberry Topping
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup blueberries, fresh or canned
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place half of the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Layer with cream cheese and blueberries: Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes over the bread layer, then sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries on top. Add the remaining bread cubes as the final layer.
- Whisk custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until fully combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it overnight to allow the bread to soak and flavors to meld.
- Preheat oven and rest: About 30 minutes before baking, remove the casserole from the refrigerator to come closer to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the French toast: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Prepare blueberry topping: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking and stirring for 3 minutes to thicken.
- Add blueberries: Stir in the remaining cup of blueberries. If using canned blueberries, simmer a few minutes to warm through. If using fresh blueberries, simmer about 10 minutes until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Finish topping and serve: Stir in the tablespoon of salted butter until melted and smooth. Pour the warm blueberry sauce generously over the baked French toast before serving.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps the cubes soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.
- Make sure to refrigerate the assembled French toast overnight for best texture and flavor.
- The blueberry topping can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute cream cheese and milk with non-dairy alternatives.
- If fresh blueberries are out of season, canned blueberries work well for both layers and topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: overnight french toast, blueberry french toast casserole, baked french toast, breakfast casserole, cream cheese french toast, make ahead breakfast
