Name: Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 12 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, softened (2 8 ounce blocks); 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; Berry syrup like boysenberry (store-bought); Maple syrup; Strawberry syrup

There’s something magical about a brunch that’s both cozy and a little fancy—enter the Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe. With its creamy layers, bursts of fresh blueberries, and that perfect hint of lemon, this dish always feels like a special occasion, even on a lazy weekend morning.

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

This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe quickly became my go-to for holiday mornings and weekend brunches because it’s the perfect combo of indulgent and fresh. It’s easy to make ahead, satisfying for a crowd, and absolutely bursting with flavor.

Creamy, dreamy texture: The cream cheese custard makes every bite rich without feeling heavy.
Bright blueberry pop: Those juicy berries give a lovely contrast to the sweet custard and buttery bread.
Make-ahead ease: Prep it the night before to save time and wake up to a delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
Flexibility: Whether you want to swap fruits or play with toppings, this recipe adapts beautifully.

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

Each ingredient in this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe plays a special role — from the soft brioche cubes soaking up the luscious custard to the pop of lemon zest that brightens the whole thing. When shopping, look for fresh berries if you can, and don’t skip the cream cheese for that signature tangy creaminess.

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: Their soft crumb and slight sweetness soak up the custard perfectly without falling apart.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen work well—just make sure they’re firm and flavorful for that burst of freshness.
Cream cheese: Adds a rich, velvety texture and balances the sweetness with a touch of tang.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the other flavors.
Eggs: The base for the custard, providing structure and richness.
Half and half: Creates a creamy custard base, richer than milk but lighter than heavy cream.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the custard.
Lemon juice and zest: They lift the flavor, giving the casserole a bright, fresh finish.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those wonderful flavors.

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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 my favorite things about this Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is how much you can personalize it. Maybe you love extra berries or prefer it a little tangier — it’s all easy to tweak.

Variation: I sometimes swap in fresh raspberries or blackberries for a different twist, and adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the custard adds a cozy touch I adore.
Dairy-free version: You can use coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative — the texture shifts a bit but the flavor stays delicious.
Smaller batch: This recipe scales perfectly down if you’re cooking just for two. I usually pop it in an 8×8-inch pan and cut the bake time slightly.
Make it gluten-free: Try your favorite gluten-free bread—just keep an eye on soaking times as the texture can vary.

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

Step 1: Toast the Bread Just Right

First things first, I toast the cubed brioche in a single layer at 350°F until the edges are lightly golden but the center is still soft — about 10 minutes. This step is key because it helps the bread hold up when soaked with the custard without turning to mush. It’s a fine line, so keep an eye on it—you want it toasted but not crispy hard.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Custard

I use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, then add in the eggs one at a time. After that, I pour in the half and half, vanilla, lemon juice, zest, and salt, mixing gently until everything’s combined beautifully. Pro tip: make sure all your wet ingredients are at room temperature to avoid any lumps from the cream cheese.

Step 3: Layer with Love

Into a greased 9x13 baking dish, I spread half the toasted bread cubes, then scatter half the blueberries over them. Pour half the custard evenly across, then repeat the layers. Once everything’s in the dish, I press down lightly with my hands or a spatula so the bread is submerged but not squished flat. Then, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight so the flavors meld and the bread gets perfectly soaked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

When morning arrives, I pull the casserole out of the fridge to warm up while I preheat the oven to 350°F. I bake it covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15-25 minutes until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean (or the internal temp hits 165°F). This step locks in that creamy custard texture without drying out the edges.

Top Tip

I learned the hard way that using room temperature ingredients isn’t just a suggestion; it really makes all the difference in the custard’s texture. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick hack: place your eggs in a bowl of warm tap water for 20 minutes before starting. The cream cheese should be soft and easy to beat, or you risk lumps that won’t fully dissolve.

Room temp ingredients: Avoid clumps in your custard and get that silky-smooth texture (no one wants a lumpy French toast!).
Don’t skip toasting: Toasting the bread cubes adds texture and keeps the casserole from becoming one giant soggy slab.
Press but don’t mash: When assembling, press the bread gently into the custard so it soaks well but still holds some shape.
Use fresh lemon zest: It brightens the flavor and adds that subtle pop that really sets this recipe apart.

How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a drizzle of homemade blueberry sauce — it amps up the berry flavor and adds a luscious, syrupy finish. Maple syrup works beautifully too, and sometimes I sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar for that classic look. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra blueberries on top make it look gorgeous and inviting.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad if you want a lighter touch, or some crispy bacon if you’re going full comfort brunch. Fresh fruit salad or even a dollop of whipped cream makes it feel extra special without competing with those lovely layers.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I’ve served this in individual ramekins with a single blueberry on top and a tiny sprig of thyme. It’s a simple way to elevate presentation and make everyone feel like they’re getting something unique and thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly cover leftover casserole with foil or transfer it to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge—it keeps beautifully for up to five days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before reheating so it heats evenly.

Freezing

One of the great perks is this casserole freezes well after baking. I wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and it stays fresh in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

Reheating is easy—pop individual slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or cover it and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the casserole moist and gives it a fresh-from-the-oven feel again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen blueberries in this French toast casserole?

Yes! Frozen blueberries work wonderfully. Just use them straight from the freezer without thawing to avoid making the custard runny. You can brush off any excess ice before layering them in the casserole.

Do I have to soak the casserole overnight?

While soaking the casserole overnight really helps the bread absorb the custard and gives you that fluffy texture, you can bake it sooner. If you do, skip toasting the bread and mix the bread cubes with custard in a bowl, let sit for 30-60 minutes, then layer with blueberries and bake. The texture will be a little different but still tasty.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for the half and half and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind the texture might be a bit different, but it will still taste delicious and keep that creamy quality.

What’s the best bread to use for this casserole?

Brioche and challah are the best choices because their slightly sweet, tender crumb soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart. If you can’t find those, a good-quality white bread can work, but avoid anything too dense or whole grain as it might not soak as well.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how it brings family and friends together around the table effortlessly, while tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen. Give it a try for your next brunch—you’ll be so glad you did, and chances are it’ll become a go-to favorite, just like it did for me.