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 (recipe linked in article); Berry syrup like boysenberry (store-bought is great); Maple syrup; Strawberry syrup

There’s something magical about waking up to a warm, comforting breakfast, which is exactly why this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe has a special place in my heart. It’s got that perfect balance of creamy, tart, and sweet all baked into one cozy dish that’s easy to assemble and even easier to love.

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 can’t say enough good things about this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for company but is so simple you’ll want to make it any day of the week. Plus, the blend of cream cheese and fresh blueberries baked into soft, toasted brioche? Absolute perfection.

Effortless prep: You can assemble it the night before, which makes mornings a breeze, especially on busy weekends.
Delicious layers: The creamy custard-soaked brioche combined with bursts of juicy blueberries makes every bite delightful.
Customizable flavors: Lemon zest and vanilla give it a fresh brightness, but it also welcomes your favorite syrups or fresh fruit additions.
Perfect for gatherings: It serves a crowd with ease and can be scaled up or down depending on how many hungry friends or family you’ve got.

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

Let’s talk ingredients—the heart of every great dish. This casserole brings together creamy richness from the cream cheese and custard, sweet-tart bursts of blueberries, and soft toasted bread cubes that soak up all those flavors beautifully. Picking fresh or quality frozen blueberries can really elevate the dish, and brioche or challah bread works best for that soft yet sturdy texture when baked.

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 loaf: Their rich, buttery crumb soaks up the custard without turning mushy, plus they toast nicely beforehand for that perfect bite.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen works—if frozen, just brush off the excess ice; no need to thaw.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends beautifully with the custard for an indulgent, creamy texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard without overpowering the natural tartness of the berries.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better; they’re the backbone of the custard that holds everything together.
Half and half: Makes the custard rich but not too heavy—room temp is key for smooth mixing.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, sweet undertones that pair beautifully with lemon and berries.
Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the whole casserole with fresh citrus notes that cut through the richness.
Salt: Just a pinch rounds out the flavors perfectly.

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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

One of the joys of this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize! I often swap in different berries depending on the season or add a touch of cinnamon for extra warmth. Feel free to experiment—you might discover a new family favorite!

Berry swaps: I once tried raspberries in place of blueberries and loved the slightly tart flavor twist it gave the dish.
Dairy-free option: Using coconut milk instead of half and half works well if you want a dairy-free version—just make sure it’s full fat for richness.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for an extra texture contrast.
Overnight soak, or not: You can make this right away or refrigerate it overnight for better custard absorption—both have their charm.

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

Step 1: Toast the Bread for Perfect Texture

First things first: I preheat my oven to 350°F and spread the cubed brioche in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Toasting the bread for about 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden on the edges but still soft inside adds such a wonderful texture—it helps the bread soak up the custard without becoming mushy. Keep a close eye here; you want golden, not burnt!

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Custard

While the bread is cooling, I beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Then I add the room-temp eggs one by one, followed by the half and half, lemon juice and zest, vanilla, and salt. Getting everything room temperature makes a huge difference—you avoid lumps and get a silky custard that’s just begging to be poured over the bread.

Step 3: Assemble Your Layers with Love

Now, in a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan, I layer half the toasted bread cubes, then half the blueberries, and pour over half the custard. Repeat with remaining bread and berries, then the custard. I press everything gently with a spatula so the bread soaks up the custard uniformly—but don’t worry if the tops peek through, that caramelized top is the best part!

Step 4: Time to Chill or Bake

I cover the casserole tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight to let all the flavors meld and the custard soak in properly. If you're short on time, you can bake it right away using the no-soak method explained below, but the overnight soak really takes it to another level.

Step 5: Bake to Warm Golden Perfection

Take the casserole out of the fridge while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes until the center is set and a knife comes out clean. That golden crust and those bubbling blueberries? Absolute breakfast goals.

Top Tip

After making this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe a handful of times, I’ve learned some handy tips that make the whole process smoother and the results even better.

Room temperature ingredients: Bringing cream cheese, eggs, and half and half to room temp before mixing prevents lumps and ensures smooth custard.
Don’t thaw frozen berries: Using frozen blueberries straight from the freezer, just brushed free of excess ice, keeps them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
Toast bread first: This extra step helps the cubes hold their shape without getting soggy and adds depth to the texture.
Press down gently when assembling: It helps the custard soak evenly without crushing the bread, keeping bites light and fluffy.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

Blueberry French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a generous drizzle of blueberry sauce (making your own is so rewarding and delicious!), but if you’re in a pinch, maple syrup or berry syrups like boysenberry work beautifully too. A few fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar add a pretty finishing touch that makes everyone smile.

Side Dishes

Serving it with crispy bacon or simple scrambled eggs balances the sweetness nicely. For a lighter touch, a fresh fruit salad complements the blueberry flavors and keeps breakfast feeling fresh and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual servings in small ramekins to make it feel extra special. Another favorite is layering it with dollops of whipped cream or mascarpone before serving for a brunch-worthy presentation that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s fantastic reheated for a quick, indulgent breakfast or snack. Just make sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. After baking, I let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen for up to 2 months, it defrosts overnight in the fridge and bakes back to almost fresh-baked goodness.

Reheating

For reheating, I either microwave individual portions for about 30-45 seconds or reheat the whole casserole covered in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the texture intact without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread besides brioche or challah?

Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal for their texture and richness, you can use other sturdy breads like French bread or even sourdough. Just make sure to toast the cubes well so they don’t get soggy.

What if I don’t have time to refrigerate overnight?

You can still make this dish without the overnight rest, but keep in mind it won’t be as fluffy. To do this, skip toasting the bread, mix the bread and custard together in a bowl, let it sit 30-60 minutes at room temp, then layer blueberries and bake as usual.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Dairy-free options are possible by swapping half and half with a full-fat coconut milk and using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, although texture and flavor will change slightly. Vegan versions are trickier due to eggs but can be explored using egg replacers and plant-based dairy products.

How long does this casserole keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, leftovers keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat portions as needed for a delicious breakfast treat any day of the week.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is more than just a breakfast dish to me—it’s a way to gather loved ones around the table, share stories, and enjoy slow, happy mornings. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Just imagine that first bite: warm, creamy, and bursting with blueberries—truly a little slice of sunshine in every forkful!