Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast treat that combines the rich flavors of custard-soaked bread with fresh blueberries. Perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions, it’s easy to prepare ahead and bake to golden perfection.

A clear glass baking dish filled with a baked dessert, showing five layers: the bottom layer is golden brown cake, topped with a slightly uneven layer of melted, soft butter or custard with a creamy light yellow color; scattered on top are clusters of dark purple-blackberries, some sunk slightly into the custard; the whole dessert has a shiny glaze with hints of caramelized brown edges around the fruit; the baking dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cubed (Day-old or stale bread works best for texture)
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed) (Feel free to substitute with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Whipped cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Place the cubed bread into the dish and scatter the blueberries evenly over the top.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and blueberries, ensuring everything is perfectly soaked.
  5. Step 5: For best flavor, let the dish sit for about 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
  6. Step 6: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard has set.
  7. Step 7: Once baked, let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with additional maple syrup and whipped cream, if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess and improve texture.
  • Substitute blueberries with strawberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries for different flavors.
  • For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
  • Letting the casserole soak overnight intensifies the custard flavor and ensures the bread is fully saturated.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. This dish can also be frozen; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds a piece of blueberry cobbler with a thick golden-brown crust on top, dotted with baked blueberries that have burst and released deep purple juice. Underneath the crust is a layer of soft, cooked blueberries in a purple sauce. Next to the plate is a white sauceboat filled with more of the dark purple blueberry sauce. The setting is on a white marbled textured surface with a striped white and gray cloth partially under the plate and sauceboat, along with a silver fork placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, challah or brioche are preferred for their rich texture, but you can also use French bread or Texas toast. Just make sure it’s slightly stale for the best custard absorption.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milks such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. The texture and flavor may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Print

Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

A delicious Blueberry French Toast Casserole featuring cubed challah or brioche bread soaked in a rich custard with fresh blueberries, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, this recipe combines the sweetness of maple syrup and warm cinnamon for a crowd-pleasing dish.

  • Author: Ruby
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus optional soaking time overnight)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Fruit

  • 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cubed (Day-old or stale bread works best for texture)
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed) (Feel free to substitute with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries)

Custard Mixture

  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt

Optional Toppings

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Whipped cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Assemble Bread and Blueberries: Place the cubed challah or brioche bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the fresh or thawed blueberries evenly over the top of the bread cubes for balanced fruit distribution.
  3. Make Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the custard is smooth and well combined.
  4. Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, making sure every piece is soaked thoroughly for maximum flavor and moisture absorption.
  5. Resting Time: For optimal texture and flavor, let the dish sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully; alternatively, refrigerate overnight for deeper infusion and easier morning preparation.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard has completely set, indicating the casserole is cooked through.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly after baking, then slice and serve warm. Add optional toppings such as powdered sugar, additional maple syrup, or whipped cream to enhance sweetness and presentation.

Notes

  • Day-old or stale bread is preferred for better texture and custard absorption.
  • You can substitute blueberries with other berries like strawberries or raspberries.
  • Allowing the casserole to soak overnight improves flavor and texture.
  • Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for best results.
  • Optional toppings like powdered sugar or whipped cream add extra sweetness and decoration.

Keywords: blueberry french toast casserole, baked french toast, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, challah french toast, brioche french toast, easy breakfast casserole

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