Blueberry Dream Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a brekkie that's a bit special? Honestly, have you ever woken up craving something sweet and comforting? This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast recipe is just the ticket.
It's like giving yourself a big hug. It's total bliss in every bite!
This isn't your average French toast. It's a French Toast Casserole With White Bread . It's origins are American, perfect for a weekend Brunch Snacks For A Crowd .
This bad boy is easy to make. Prep takes around 20 mins. Baking? About 45- 55 mins. This recipe yields 8-10 servings.
That's enough for the whole gang!
This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast recipe boasts a ton of deliciousness. It's packed with antioxidants from the blueberries. Serving it? Ideal for special occasions or a lazy Sunday.
What makes it special? The creamy filling and the burst of juicy blueberries, of course! It's just the best Breakfast Casserole Recipes .
You know? It is almost Fall French Toast Bake worthy!
Why This French Toast Rocks
It's an Easy French Toast Recipe . No fancy skills needed! You can even make-ahead Breakfast Casserole . That's right! Prep it the night before.
It makes life so much easier, isn't it?
This recipe is more than just breakfast. It's an experience. It's a Blueberry French Toast Bake . Think of it as elevated comfort food.
And who doesn't love Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole ? It's perfect for using up that loaf that's gone a bit stale.
No waste! It even works as an Overnight French Toast Bake .
Ready to Get Baking?
We will go through the ingredients next. I cannot wait to show you the best part. What's more? there are plenty of Blueberry Breakfast Ideas .
Alright, mate! Let's get cracking on this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast recipe. Sounds like the sort of thing that'd get even Mary Berry's attention! This dish is perfect for those weekend mornings when you just want to chill and tuck into something seriously delicious.
Think lazy brunch snacks for a crowd or a special family gathering.
Let's Talk Kit: Ingredients & Equipment
Honestly, this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast is easier than it looks. We're not talking MasterChef levels of difficulty. The ingredients are pretty straightforward.
Main Ingredients: The French Toast Lowdown
- Challah or Brioche bread: 1 (1 lb) loaf (about 450g ), cut into 1 inch cubes. Day-old is ideal! This is super important for that lovely texture.
- Eggs: 8 large (US) or Extra Large (Metric). Use free range if you can. Makes all the difference.
- Whole Milk: 1 ½ cups ( 360ml ). Gives it that rich, creamy vibe.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup ( 120ml ). Adds a touch of indulgence. Go on, you deserve it!
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup ( 50g ). Sweeten the deal.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Pure vanilla is best. Avoid the fake stuff.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ). Adds warmth and spice.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.5g ). Balances the sweetness.
Cream Cheese Filling: Oh My Gosh!
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz ( 225g ), softened. Full fat is the way to go here.
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup ( 50g ). More sweetness!
- Egg: 1 large (US) or Medium (Metric). Helps bind it all together.
- Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ). A little zest brightens everything up.
Blueberry Bliss: It's All About the Berries
- Fresh Blueberries: 2 cups (approx. 300g ), or frozen (thawed and drained). Fresh are best, but frozen work in a pinch.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons ( 25g ). Sweetens the berries.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon ( 7g ). Helps thicken the blueberry sauce.
Crumble Topping: Optional But Awesome
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup ( 60g )
- Packed Light Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup ( 50g )
- Cold Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup ( 57g ), cut into small pieces
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
A pinch of nutmeg in the custard also works wonders. Don't be afraid to experiment! Use the cinnamon I suggest and add a dash of nutmeg or cloves.
You know what? A little Amaretto extract in the custard is a cheeky addition.
If you haven't got vanilla extract use a splash of almond extract instead. It's a game changer!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- A 9x13 inch baking dish. Glass or ceramic will do.
- Large mixing bowl. For the custard, naturally.
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer). For the cream cheese filling. A whisk will do if you're feeling strong.
- Whisk. For the custard.
- Rubber spatula. For scraping every last bit out of the bowl.
This Easy French Toast Recipe is like sunshine on a plate. So, whether you call it Fall French Toast Bake , Blueberry French Toast Bake , or Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole , get in the kitchen and whip this up.
You know? This Overnight French Toast Bake is perfect for prepping ahead and baking fresh in the morning. A true make-ahead Breakfast Casserole !
Blueberry Dream: Let's Make Some Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Magic
Right then, you lot! Fancy whipping up something a bit special? I'm talking Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast . Seriously, this French Toast Casserole With White Bread is like sunshine on a plate.
It’s easier than you think. Plus, it’s proper good for Brunch Snacks For A Crowd .
It's become a staple in my kitchen. Honestly, it's the perfect thing when the relatives are over and you need to look like you’ve got your life together.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, get your bits and bobs together. Chop up that bread. Soften the cream cheese. Essential mise en place is the difference between a happy cook and a right mess.
I usually cube the bread the night before and leave it out to get a bit stale. This really helps it soak up the custard.
Time saving organization tips , sorted!
Building Your Blueberry Cream Cheese Masterpiece
- Whisk together the custard. Get all those eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a bowl. Whisk like you mean it.
- Beat the cream cheese with sugar, egg, and lemon zest until smooth. It will be proper lush.
- Toss the blueberries with a bit of sugar and flour. This stops them sinking to the bottom.
- Layer half the bread in your dish. Then dollop on the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with half the blueberries.
- Top with the rest of the bread and pour over that lovely custard.
From Fridge to Fantastic: Baking Your make-ahead Breakfast Casserole
Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, or even better, overnight. This is where the magic happens.
The bread soaks up all that lovely custard. Then, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 45- 55 minutes .
Look for that golden brown hue, your visual cues for doneness . It will be an Easy French Toast Recipe , even when half asleep.
Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen
Don't skip the chilling time! Honestly, it makes all the difference. This recipe is brilliant as an Overnight French Toast Bake , leaving more time to relax in the morning, isn’t it lovely? If the top starts to brown too quickly, just tent it with some foil.
Don’t let it burn. Now, if you are missing that special berry feeling, make a Blueberry French Toast Bake to complete the theme and fulfill the flavor expectation.
Honestly, this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast is a crowd pleaser. It could even be transformed in a Fall French Toast Bake adding seasonal ingredients.
It's great as part of a Breakfast Casserole Recipes .
Recipe Notes to Make Your Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Epic
Right then, let's talk about the nitty gritty. This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast recipe is pretty straightforward. Honestly, it's more about the make-ahead aspect and soaking time.
But, there are a few things I've learned along the way that might help you nail it.
Serving Suggestions: Time for a Bit of Posh Nosh
Listen, presentation is half the battle, innit? For plating, I like to cut a square of the Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole and angle it on the plate.
A little dusting of icing sugar never hurt anyone. For sides, think contrasting flavors. Crispy bacon is always a winner.
A fresh fruit salad can lighten things up.
Drinks wise, a cuppa strong coffee is a must. Feeling fancy? Mimosas are your best bet. For the kids, a simple glass of orange juice is perfect.
These Brunch Snacks For A Crowd are always a good idea.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Right, so you've made this epic Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast . Now, what if you have leftovers? Fear not!
- Refrigeration: Pop any leftover French Toast Casserole With White Bread into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .
- Freezing: You can also freeze it. Cut it into individual portions first. Wrap each portion well in cling film and then foil. It'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months .
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, about 15- 20 minutes . Or, microwave it if you're in a rush!
Variations: Mixing It Up a Bit
Fancy a change? Here are a couple of ideas.
- Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free bread. Honestly, it works a treat!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, why not swap the blueberries for some apples and cinnamon? It's like a Fall French Toast Bake in your mouth!
Nutrition Basics: Not Too Naughty
Look, this isn't exactly health food. But, it's a treat, right? Each serving of Blueberry French Toast Bake will give you a good hit of energy to start the day.
The blueberries offer some antioxidants and the cream cheese some calcium. This is one of the best Breakfast Casserole Recipes you can find.
Remember, it's all about balance. A rough estimate per serving: about 350-450 calories .
So there you have it. My top tips for making the best Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole ever. Honestly, give it a go.
You won't regret it. It's an Easy French Toast Recipe that tastes like it took hours. Get baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can! In fact, this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast recipe is better when made ahead. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. This gives the bread plenty of time to soak up all that lovely custard. Just like a good cup of tea, it needs a bit of steeping!
My Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast is soggy! What went wrong?
Sogginess is a common woe, but easily avoided. First, make sure your bread is slightly stale fresh bread will just turn to mush. Second, if using frozen blueberries, thaw and drain them thoroughly.
Finally, don't skimp on the chilling time; it allows the bread to properly absorb the custard without becoming waterlogged. Think of it as the bread having a good long soak in a nice warm bath!
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
While cream cheese gives that signature tang and richness, you can try mascarpone cheese for a similar, but slightly sweeter, flavor profile. Another option is to use a mixture of ricotta cheese (drained well) and a bit of sour cream or crème fraîche to mimic the creaminess.
Though honestly, subbing the cream cheese is like trying to make a Victoria Sponge without the jam it's just not quite the same!
How do I store leftover Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast?
Leftovers are a rare treat, but if you have them, store your Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, but for best results, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
You could even pop it in the toaster oven for a quick, crispy revival!
Can I use different types of bread for my Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast casserole?
Absolutely! While challah or brioche are traditional and lovely, you can experiment with other bread types. French bread, croissants (day-old!), or even sourdough can work well. Just keep in mind that different breads will absorb the custard differently, so you might need to adjust the soaking time accordingly.
Think of it as putting your own personal stamp on a classic!
How can I make this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast healthier?
To lighten things up a bit, you could use whole wheat bread instead of white, substitute the whole milk with a lower fat option like 2% milk or almond milk (unsweetened!), and reduce the amount of sugar in both the custard and the cream cheese filling.
You could also increase the amount of blueberries to add more natural sweetness and antioxidants! It's all about finding a balance that suits your taste and lifestyle.
Blueberry Dream Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toas
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 21.5g |
| Fiber | 3g |