Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole combines day-old French bread soaked in a rich custard with fresh or frozen blueberries, then baked to golden perfection with a crumbly cinnamon-brown sugar topping. It’s a make-ahead breakfast or brunch favorite that’s deliciously comforting and bursting with fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Topping
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Bread and Blueberries: Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish and sprinkle with half of the blueberries. Repeat with the remaining bread and blueberries to form two layers.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread in Custard: Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard fully.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak thoroughly.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add Topping & Bake: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the soaked casserole. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with powdered sugar or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding to prevent sogginess.
- Serve with powdered sugar or maple syrup if desired for added flavor.
