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Easy Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Swirl

A close-up of a baked slice of blueberry french toast casserole featuring a creamy center and powdered sugar dusting.

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Prepare this simple, make-ahead breakfast casserole the night before. It features soft bread soaked in a rich custard, layered with juicy blueberries and a creamy swirl, ready to bake for a stress-free weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 1 pound) French bread or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (for topping)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the blueberries over the bread layer.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the blueberries and bread. Use a knife or spoon to gently swirl the cream cheese into the bread mixture.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, 3/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread absorbs the liquid.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap. Drizzle the maple syrup over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and the center is set (a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean).
  8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use day-old bread that has slightly dried out.
  • If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the casserole.
  • This recipe works well with mixed berries if you prefer variety.
  • For an extra crisp topping, sprinkle 1/4 cup of brown sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the top before baking.

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