Name: Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche or challah sliced into 1-inch cubes; 2 6 oz. half pints blueberries (12 ounces total); 2 8 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 (homemade or store-bought); Berry syrup like boysenberry; Maple syrup; Strawberry syrup

There’s something utterly cozy and indulgent about waking up to warm, gooey layers of bread, bursting blueberries, and luscious cream cheese all baked together in one dish. The Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe brings a bakery-worthy breakfast straight to your table with minimal babysitting. Trust me, once you try this, weekend mornings will never be the same.

A white baking dish filled with a baked dessert made of large, golden-brown cubes of soft bread layered with small, round, dark blueberries evenly scattered throughout. The bread cubes have a slightly toasted and shiny surface indicating a baked custard soaked texture, creating a mix of smooth and crunchy looks. A gold-colored serving spoon is lifting a portion of the dessert from the dish, showing the thick, moist texture of the bread and the juicy blueberries. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I found this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe, it became my go-to for brunch gatherings and lazy mornings alike. It has that perfect balance of creamy richness, fruity brightness, and cozy texture you want in a special breakfast—but with a simplicity that lets you relax instead of stressing over every step.

Made Ahead Magic: Prepare it the night before, then just pop it in the oven in the morning—making your day start serene rather than rushed.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The lemon zest and juice brighten the sweet cream cheese custard, complementing the juicy blueberries beautifully.
Keep It Easy or Dress It Up: Whether you serve it simply with maple syrup or with homemade blueberry sauce, this casserole shines every time.
Beginner-Friendly: No fancy techniques here—just straightforward steps that set you up for success.

On a white plate with a white marbled background, there is a single square piece of yellow cake with a soft, moist texture. The cake is topped with a thick layer of shiny, dark purple blueberries, some whole and some in a syrupy sauce that drips over the sides. There is also a golden spoon on the right side of the plate holding a portion of the cake and blueberries, adding a touch of brightness to the dish. The contrast between the yellow cake and dark blueberry topping creates a rich and appetizing look photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This casserole blends sturdy, buttery bread with a tangy, creamy custard that's lightly sweetened and brightened by lemon and fresh blueberries. Each ingredient plays a crucial role making sure the final dish is moist but not soggy, rich but never heavy.

Flat lay of a loaf of brioche sliced into rustic cubes, two small white ceramic bowls filled with fresh plump blueberries, two blocks of smooth cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, six whole uncracked brown eggs arranged in a neat line, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy half and half, another small white ceramic bowl holding golden lemon juice alongside a few thin strips of fresh lemon zest, a tiny white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, and a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, all placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Brioche or Challah Bread: Its soft crumb and rich flavor hold the custard perfectly without turning mushy—plus, it toasts nicely for some texture.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, they bring bursts of natural sweetness and juiciness that cut through the creamy custard.
Cream Cheese: Creates a silky and slightly tangy base in the custard, giving the casserole that irresistible richness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard gently without overpowering the other flavors.
Eggs: The binding agent that transforms our mixture into a custard that bakes up fluffy and tender.
Half and Half: Adds creaminess and moisture, but not too much fat, so everything bakes to perfection.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of warmth that amplifies all the other flavors.
Lemon Juice and Zest: I love how these brighten the custard and play off the blueberries’ natural tartness.
Salt: The unsung hero that balances and elevates sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to keep this recipe classic, but sometimes a few tweaks make it feel fresh. You can easily swap blueberries for raspberries or even blackberries based on what’s local or in season. If you want to jazz things up, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for crunch.

Variation: One time, I stirred in a handful of mini chocolate chips with the berries before baking—it was a total hit at our brunch party.
Dairy-Free: I’ve experimented with almond milk half-and-half alternatives, and while it changes the texture a bit, it still comes out delicious.
Make It Fruity: Feel free to layer in other fruits like peaches or strawberries for a colorful twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread Just Right

I start by cutting my brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes, then toasting them in a single layer in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Keep a close eye—they should get lightly golden but stay soft in the center. This step gives the bread enough structure to soak up the custard without falling apart. If you're short on time, you can skip toasting but expect a softer texture.

Step 2: Whip Up That Creamy Custard

Next comes the custard magic. I beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until it's silky smooth—this is key for no lumps! Adding eggs one at a time helps keep it velvety. Then, I pour in the half and half, lemon juice and zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using room temperature ingredients here makes mixing a dream. Sometimes I warm my eggs gently by placing them in warm water before cracking.

Step 3: Layer It and Let It Rest

I layer half of the toasted bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch dish, sprinkle half the blueberries over, then pour half the custard evenly on top. Repeat the layers and then press gently with a spatula or your hands to help submerge the bread—though it’s okay if the top peeks out. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. This overnight rest allows the custard to soak in fully, making every bite rich and tender.

Step 4: Bake with Patience

When morning comes, I take the casserole out to warm slightly while preheating the oven to 350°F. Baking covered for 30 minutes locks in moisture, then removing the foil gives it that golden, slightly crisp top during the final 15 to 25 minutes. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean, and the internal temperature hits around 165°F. It smells heavenly—seriously, your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery.

Top Tip

After making the Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe a few times, I’ve learned a few tips that really boost the final result and make your prep smoother.

Room Temperature Ingredients: I can’t stress this enough—cold cream cheese or eggs can cause lumps and make mixing tougher, so I warm them gently before starting.
Don’t Over-Toast the Bread: Toast just until lightly golden but still soft inside; it soaks up just the right amount of custard without becoming mush.
Press to Submerge: Gently pressing the bread into the custard helps it absorb evenly, but don’t worry if the top isn’t fully soaked—that's actually nice for texture contrast.
Let It Rest Overnight: This truly transforms the dish from good to amazing, giving the custard time to fully soak and flavor to meld.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

blueberry cream cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about simple yet delightful garnishes here. A generous drizzle of homemade blueberry sauce (I’ll link the recipe!) or classic maple syrup is my favorite. Sometimes I sprinkle a little powdered sugar or fresh mint on top to make it feel extra special. The freshness of blueberries on top adds a vibrant pop both in looks and flavor.

Side Dishes

A side of crispy bacon or sausage balances the sweet richness perfectly if you want a savory contrast. For a lighter touch, fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special mornings, I’ve served this casserole in small individual ramekins for personal portions, adding a blueberry on top and a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary. It’s also fun to dust lightly with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet crust. These little details impress guests and make the meal feel like a treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. In my kitchen, this stays delicious refrigerated for up to 5 days, which comes in handy for quick breakfasts during busy weekdays.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole twice after baking. Once cooled, I double-wrap it with plastic wrap and then foil, freezing it for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ve got a ready-to-bake breakfast on hand for a future lazy morning or unexpected guests.

Reheating

Reheating is simple and fast: I usually microwave single servings for 30-45 seconds or reheat the whole dish covered at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm throughout. This keeps the texture just right and the cheese creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe without letting it sit overnight?

Yes! You can assemble it and bake it the same day, but it won’t be as fluffy or fully soaked. To do this, mix the bread cubes and custard together in a bowl first and let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before layering with blueberries and baking.

What type of bread works best for this casserole?

Brioche or challah are best because of their richness and ability to soak custard without becoming mushy. If you only find sliced brioche in the bread aisle, that works too—just toast carefully so it doesn’t dry out.

Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

Absolutely! I recommend using frozen blueberries straight from the freezer without thawing. Just brush off any excess ice to avoid sogginess during baking.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For reheating, microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.]

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, rich, and a little bit fancy all at once. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to whenever I want something impressive but simple that can feed a crowd or lift an ordinary morning. Give it a try and I bet it’ll become a breakfast favorite in your home too.