Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Unbelievable Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 3 reviews

This Unbelievable Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced custard-soaked bread, fresh blueberries, and a buttery crumb topping. It’s baked to golden perfection with a soft and creamy center, ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing in advance for busy mornings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus 3 to 24 hours soaking time)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Casserole

  • 1 (12–14-ounce/340–400g) loaf of sturdy day-old bread (French bread, sourdough, brioche, or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup (140g) fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 2 cups (480g/ml) whole milk
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120g/ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • Pinch of salt

For the Crumb Topping

  • 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup (42g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Toppings

  • Extra blueberries
  • Maple syrup
  • Confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan and Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch or any 3.5–4-quart baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the pan and sprinkle the blueberries on top. Set aside.
  2. Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, fresh lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes and blueberries in the baking dish.
  3. Refrigerate to Soak: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 3 to 24 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard mixture thoroughly.
  4. Prepare Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized crumbs form. Cover and refrigerate the topping for at least 15 minutes to prevent sinking during baking.
  5. Preheat Oven and Rest Casserole: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
  6. Add Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the chilled crumb topping over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 25 to 35 minutes until the center is set and cooked through.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, top with extra blueberries, maple syrup, or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.
  8. Storage: Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Using day-old bread helps the cubes absorb the custard without becoming too mushy.
  • Refrigerating the casserole overnight enhances flavor and texture by fully soaking the bread.
  • The crumb topping should be chilled before baking to avoid sinking and to create a crisp texture.
  • Adjust baking time as needed; the casserole is done when the custard is set but still creamy.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and butter with vegan butter.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/unbelievable-blueberry-french-toast-casserole-recipe/