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; 12 ounces blueberries (2 6 oz. half pints); 16 ounces cream cheese (2 8 ounce blocks), softened; 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 6 eggs, room temperature; 2 cups half and half, room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Blueberry sauce; Berry syrup like boysenberry (store-bought); Maple syrup; Strawberry syrup

There’s something irresistibly cozy about waking up to a warm, fruity breakfast that tastes like a hug. This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe delivers that—soft toasted brioche, tangy cream cheese, and bursts of fresh blueberries baked into a luscious custard. It’s one of those feel-good dishes you’ll want to make again and again.

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

I remember the first time I made this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe for Sunday brunch—it disappeared in minutes! It’s not your everyday French toast; it feels more special, like something you’d serve when family visits or for a holiday morning. Plus, the layers of cream cheese and blueberries make every bite extra indulgent without being complicated.

Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast: Prep it the night before and wake up to a ready-to-bake casserole that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas.
Luxuriously Creamy Texture: The cream cheese-infused custard creates a velvety richness that keeps this casserole moist and tender.
Fresh and Fruity Boost: Blueberries add bursts of juicy sweetness that complement the custard beautifully.
Flexible and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you want to go all out with homemade blueberry sauce or keep it simple with syrup, it’s a winner every time.

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

Every ingredient in this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe plays a part in building its inviting textures and flavors. From the buttery brioche bread to the tang of lemon zest, everything is carefully chosen to work in harmony. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop or tweak with confidence.

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: These breads are rich, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making them ideal for soaking up that luscious custard without falling apart.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen works—frozen even adds a nice juiciness as it bakes, but skip thawing to avoid sogginess.
Cream Cheese: It’s the secret to creamy custard that’s not too heavy and adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard evenly without overpowering the other flavors.
Eggs: They create structure and richness; room temperature ones blend best here for a smooth custard.
Half and Half: Adds creaminess while keeping the custard silky and luxurious.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall warmth and depth of flavor.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens the dish with fresh citrus notes that work wonders with blueberries and cream cheese.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

📝

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 how forgiving this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is—it’s so easy to tweak and make your own. For instance, sometimes I swap out the blueberries for raspberries or a mix of berries for a different fruity pop. You can also adjust the sweetness or even try a dairy-free cream cheese to suit your needs.

Variation: I once added a handful of toasted pecans on top before baking for an amazing crunch contrast to the creamy layers.
Dairy-Free: Using vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk works, though the texture changes slightly but stays delicious.
Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free bread, just keep an eye on soaking time; it may need less.
Fruit Swaps: Blueberries are fantastic, but fresh sliced strawberries or blackberries are excellent fresh twists I recommend trying.

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

Step 1: Toast Your Bread Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spread your brioche cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet—don’t crowd them! I like to keep a close eye here because you want them toasted on the outside but still soft in the middle. About 10 minutes usually does the trick. This step is key; it sets the texture foundation so your casserole won’t get soggy.

Step 2: Whip Up That Creamy Custard

In a big mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth—no lumps here! Then add your eggs one by one, making sure to get everything nice and combined. Slowly pour in the half and half followed by vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Using room temperature ingredients here really helps everything emulsify beautifully, so take that extra minute to warm them up if needed.

Step 3: Layer It Like a Pro

Grab a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish and start by layering half your toasted bread cubes. Sprinkle half the blueberries evenly on top. Pour half your custard mixture over, making sure it seeps through all the nooks. Repeat with the remaining bread and berries, then pour on the rest of the custard. Gently press down with your spatula or clean hands—this helps submerge most of the bread in custard for even soaking.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight (or Not!)

Cover your casserole tightly with foil and slide it into the fridge overnight. This resting time lets the custard soak perfectly into the bread, creating that gorgeous fluffy texture. If you’re short on time, I’ve got a no-overnight method below that works too!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, bring the casserole out from the fridge and let it sit while the oven preheats to 350°F. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes; this locks in moisture. Then take off the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean (around 165°F internal temperature). The smell alone will make you want to dive in!

Top Tip

After making this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few simple tips that keep it perfect every time. They’re small but make a huge difference if you want that restaurant-quality brunch at home.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always let your cream cheese, eggs, and half and half come to room temp first. It prevents lumps and ensures everything mixes smoothly.
Don’t Skip Toasting: Toasting the bread before layering helps keep the texture just right—crispy edges but soft inside.
Press Down Gently: When assembling, press the casserole down so the bread is submerged in custard but don’t squish it flat or it gets dense.
Watch Baking Times: Oven temps vary, so start checking around 40 minutes to avoid drying it out; you want a golden top that's set but moist inside.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

Blueberry French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love piling on fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Sometimes, I drizzle a warm homemade blueberry sauce right over the top; it feels extra indulgent and ties all the flavors together beautifully. Maple syrup or berry-flavored syrups also work great if you want a lighter touch.

Side Dishes

To balance sweetness and richness, I often serve this casserole alongside crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages. A side of fresh fruit salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette can brighten up the plate and make it feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins for a pretty single-serving presentation that feels extra special. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or edible flowers on top to impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to five days. The casserole reheats wonderfully, making it an excellent next-day breakfast or snack.

Freezing

I often freeze leftover casserole after baking by wrapping it well in plastic and foil. It keeps beautifully for up to two months. When I want to enjoy it again, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat—always tastes just as good as freshly made.

Reheating

For reheating, microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds or pop the whole casserole back in the oven at 350°F, covered, for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This way, you retain that soft custardy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen blueberries for this casserole?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen blueberries without thawing them first. Just brush off any excess ice before layering. Frozen berries add a beautiful juiciness as they bake and won’t make the casserole too soggy if handled properly.

What’s the benefit of letting the casserole rest overnight?

Resting the casserole overnight allows the custard to soak fully into the bread cubes, resulting in a fluffy, custardy texture that's hard to achieve otherwise. If you bake right away, the casserole may be a bit runnier and less cohesive.

Can I make half the recipe?

Yes, you can make a half batch of this casserole. Just use an 8x8-inch baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly, usually around 30-35 minutes. Many recipe cards have a handy slider to adjust servings.

What’s the best bread to use?

Brioche or challah are the best choices for this recipe because of their richness and texture, which soak up custard without falling apart. If you can only find sliced brioche in the bread aisle versus bakery section, that’s perfectly fine—it just might be a bit thinner but still works great.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is truly one of those comfort dishes that feels special without the stress. Whether you’re making it for a lazy weekend brunch or a festive holiday breakfast, it always delivers on flavor and texture. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation. Go on, treat yourself and those you love—it’s worth every bite.