Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast (Printable)
Golden baked breakfast with layers of cream cheese, blueberries, and custard-soaked bread topped with cinnamon streusel.
# What You Need:
→ Bread & Dairy
01 - 1 loaf (about 1 lb) French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
03 - 4 large eggs
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Fruit
08 - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
→ Streusel Topping
09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar
11 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
13 - Pinch of salt
# How-To Steps:
01 - Generously grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread half of the bread cubes in an even layer across the bottom.
02 - Scatter the cream cheese cubes and half of the blueberries evenly over the bread layer. Arrange the remaining bread cubes on top, then distribute the remaining blueberries over the surface.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
04 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring all bread pieces are saturated. Gently press down with the back of a spoon to help absorption. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for optimal texture and flavor.
05 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while preparing the streusel topping.
06 - In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly crumbs.
07 - Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the entire surface. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the edges are bubbling, and the center is set.
08 - Allow the casserole to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Dust generously with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with maple syrup, lemon curd, or whipped cream.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- It comes together the night before, so your morning self will thank you profusely
- The cream cheese melts into little pockets of gooey heaven throughout the casserole
02 -
- Do not skip the refrigeration step or you will end up with soggy bread instead of custard magic
- Pressing the bread down helps every piece soak up enough liquid for that pudding like texture
03 -
- Use a serrated knife to cube the bread for clean edges that hold their shape
- Check the center at 40 minutes since ovens vary and nobody likes dry French toast