Blueberry French Toast Casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy Easter brunch. This creamy, fruity delight combines tender bread with a luscious cream cheese mixture and bursts of juicy blueberries, creating a comforting centerpiece for your festive meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Serve it warm and watch as everyone gathers around the table, eager for a taste!
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Why You’ll Love Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Perfect for Easter Brunch
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a showstopper that will have everyone talking at your Easter gathering. Its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors make it a festive choice for your holiday table.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the best things about this casserole is the make-ahead convenience. You can prepare it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up all that delicious custard. Just pop it in the oven the next morning, and you’ll have a warm, satisfying dish ready to serve.
Creamy and Fruity Flavor
The combination of cream cheese, fresh blueberries, and warm spices creates a creamy and fruity flavor that is simply irresistible. Each bite provides a delightful contrast of textures, making it a breakfast dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients Overview
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (split for cream cheese and egg mixture)
- 2 tbsp milk (whole milk recommended)
Bread Layers
- 2 loaves cubed French bread (day-old preferred)
Egg Mixture
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups milk (any type, whole milk adds richness)
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Gently mix in 1 cup of blueberries, creating a delightful cream cheese mixture.
Assembling the Casserole
In a 10×14-inch baking dish, layer the bottom with bread cubes. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bread, then add another layer of bread cubes on top.
Baking the Casserole
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well mixed. Pour this mixture over the bread layers, ensuring all bread is soaked. Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before baking.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 45 minutes covered with foil. Remove the foil and continue baking until the center is set and the top is lightly browned, about 30 more minutes. Total baking time is approximately 75 minutes. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
Choosing the Right Bread
Choose a crusty, day-old French bread for the best texture. Fresh bread may become too soggy during the soaking process.
Overnight Soaking Benefits
Soaking the casserole overnight enhances the flavors and results in a custardy texture that melts in your mouth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your casserole warm, drizzled with a simple icing made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for added sweetness. Fresh fruit or whipped cream on top also makes a lovely addition.
Variations and Substitutions
Using Different Berries
You can easily swap out blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or a mix of your favorite berries for a different flavor profile.
Alternative Cheeses
If cream cheese isn’t your preference, try substituting with mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture and taste.
Adjusting Sweetness
Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture.
FAQs
What do the French call blueberries?
In France, blueberries are commonly referred to as “myrtilles.” They are a beloved fruit, often used in desserts and pastries.
How long can blueberries be unrefrigerated?
Blueberries can typically be kept at room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours. For longer storage, they should be refrigerated.
Are blueberries popular in France?
Yes, blueberries are quite popular in France and are used in various culinary dishes, including jams, desserts, and pastries.
Which country is famous for blueberries?
The United States is one of the countries most famous for blueberries, particularly the state of Maine, which has a rich history of blueberry cultivation.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
Conclusion
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is truly a delightful addition to your Easter brunch. Its creamy texture, fruity flavor, and ease of preparation make it a favorite among family and friends. For more inspiration, be sure to check out my recipes on Pinterest for tasty breakfast ideas and beyond!
Easy Blueberry French Toast Casserole for Easter Brunch
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- 10×14-inch baking dish
Ingredients
For the cream cheese mixture
- 1 cup blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (split for cream cheese and egg mixture)
- 2 tbsp milk (whole milk recommended)
For the bread layers
- 2 loaves cubed French bread (day-old preferred)
For the egg mixture
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups milk (any type, whole milk adds richness)
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then gently mix in blueberries.
- Layer bread cubes in a baking dish, spread cream cheese mixture over, and add another layer of bread cubes.
- Whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then pour over bread layers and sprinkle with blueberries. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake until set and lightly browned, about 30 more minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.