Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning, the sun streaming through the kitchen window, and the delicious aroma of freshly baked blueberry cream cheese French toast wafting through the air. This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is not just a breakfast; it’s a delightful experience that wraps you in warmth and comfort. With layers of brioche, luscious cream cheese, and juicy blueberries, every bite is a celebration of flavor. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family breakfast, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a showstopper for several reasons:

– **Effortless Preparation**: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a stress-free brunch.
– **Creamy and Decadent**: The combination of cream cheese and blueberries creates a rich and creamy filling that perfectly complements the soft brioche.
– **Versatile Toppings**: From strawberry syrup to maple syrup, this dish pairs well with a variety of toppings, allowing you to customize each serving.
– **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple family breakfast, this bake is always a hit.

Ingredient Rundown

To create this scrumptious Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche or challah, sliced into 1-inch cubes
• 26 oz. half pints blueberries (12 ounces total)
• 28 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened (16 ounces total)
• 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 eggs at room temperature
• 2 cups half and half at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Blueberry sauce (highly recommend: click for the recipe)
• Berry syrup like boysenberry (store-bought is great)
• Maple syrup
• Strawberry syrup

Equipment at a Glance

Before diving into the recipe, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Baking dish (9×13 inch works best)
• Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
• Whisk for beating eggs and mixing
• Spatula for folding in ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy

Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake — Do This Next

Step 1: Prepare the Brioche

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your brioche or challah and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Place these cubes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This will be the luscious filling for your French toast bake.

Step 3: Add the Blueberries

Gently fold in the blueberries into the cream cheese mixture. Ensure the blueberries are evenly distributed to create pockets of fruity goodness throughout the bake.

Step 4: Create the Custard Mixture

In another large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, eggs, half and half, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until well combined. This custard is what will soak into the brioche, making it rich and flavorful.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Then, dollop the cream cheese and blueberry mixture over the top. Use a spatula to gently press down the bread cubes to ensure they soak up the custard.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your choice of blueberry sauce, berry syrup, maple syrup, or strawberry syrup. Enjoy every delicious bite of this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake!

If You’re Out Of…

You might find yourself in a pinch for some ingredients. Here’s what you can substitute:

• If you don’t have brioche or challah, use any other soft bread like French bread or even a good quality white bread.
• Out of half and half? You can use whole milk or a mixture of milk and heavy cream.
• No lemon juice on hand? Substitute with a splash of orange juice for a different citrus twist.
• If you don’t have fresh blueberries, frozen blueberries work just as well; just make sure to thaw and drain them slightly.

Pro Tips & Notes

Here are some tips to ensure your Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake turns out perfectly:

• For best results, prepare this bake the night before and let it soak in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Don’t skip the step of covering with foil while baking; this helps to cook the custard evenly without burning the top.
• Experiment with different berries! Raspberries or blackberries could also be delightful additions.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top before serving.

Shelf Life & Storage

This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a few days:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick breakfast.
• This dish can also be frozen. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it will keep well for up to 2 months.

Top Questions & Answers

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche and challah are recommended for their richness, any soft bread such as French bread or even croissants can work well.

Can I make this dish vegan?

You can make a vegan version by substituting the eggs with flax eggs, using almond or soy milk in place of half and half, and using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

How do I know when the bake is done?

The French toast bake is done when the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The custard should not be runny.

What toppings do you recommend?

We recommend using blueberry sauce, maple syrup, or a berry syrup like boysenberry. Each one adds a delightful flair to the dish!

Cook This Next

If you loved this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake, here are some other delicious recipes to try:

• French Toast Recipe – A classic you can’t go wrong with.
• Classic Blueberry Muffins – Perfect for breakfast on the go!
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumb Bars – A delightful dessert for any occasion.

Save & Share

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Whether it’s on social media or through a friendly email, spreading the joy of this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a must.

Indulging in a warm slice of this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is not just about eating; it’s about creating memories filled with happiness and deliciousness. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and whip up this delightful dish for your next breakfast or brunch gathering. You won’t regret it!