Introduction

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful way to start your morning. Layers of creamy blueberry filling and toasted baguette come together for a rich, comforting breakfast that’s easy to prepare ahead. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.

The dish is a white rectangular baking dish filled with slices of golden brown baked bread arranged in a grid pattern with four columns and seven rows. Each slice has visible layers of soft bread with a shiny, glazed surface, and between the layers, there are creamy purple fillings and whole blueberries that create a textured, juicy look. The bread appears slightly puffed and moist, with some blueberry juice oozing around the edges. The dish is placed on a white marbled texture, and a white and gray striped cloth is partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (12 inch long) French baguettes, cut into 1/2 inch slices (discard the ends)
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 cups blueberries
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups heavy cream or milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 stick butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Lightly butter a 3-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or spoon to combine the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Gently fold in the blueberries.
Step 3: Spread about one tablespoon of the blueberry cream cheese mixture onto one side of each bread slice. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, cream cheese side up.
Step 4: In a glass measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread slices.
Step 5: Cover the casserole dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven with the foil on and bake for 35 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed.
Step 8: For the topping, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in brown sugar until smooth, then add maple syrup and cinnamon. Drizzle the warm topping over the baked French toast casserole before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh or frozen blueberries depending on availability; frozen will release more moisture but work well soaked.
Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer texture.
For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Try swapping maple syrup in the filling or topping for honey or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 325°F until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen; wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a square glass baking dish with a golden-brown baked dessert that has a crumbly top. Small dark blueberries are visible throughout the dish, some bursting and releasing purple juice. Next to the dish is a white round plate with a serving of the dessert piled up, showing soft, slightly gooey inside layers with blueberries mixed in. A woman's hand is holding a spoon, scooping some of the dessert from the dish. The scene is set on a white marbled texture with a colorful cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, brioche or challah bread are excellent alternatives that provide a soft, slightly sweet texture. Just be sure to cut them into similar thickness for even soaking and baking.

Can I prepare this casserole the same day and bake immediately?

This dish benefits from soaking overnight to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, resulting in a custardy texture. If short on time, soak the bread for at least one hour before baking, but expect a less set casserole.

Overnight Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring layers of soft French baguette slices spread with a luscious blueberry cream cheese mixture. Bathed in a rich custard and baked until golden brown, it’s finished with a warm, buttery maple syrup topping for a perfect balance of sweetness and comfort. Ideal for a special brunch or weekend treat.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including refrigeration)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the French Toast

2 (12 inch long) French Baguettes, cut into 1/2 inch slices (discard the ends)
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 cups blueberries
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups heavy cream or milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

1/2 stick butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Casserole Dish: Lightly butter a 3-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or large spoon to combine softened cream cheese with maple syrup and cinnamon until smooth, then gently fold in the blueberries without crushing them.
Assemble Bread Slices: Spread about one tablespoon of the blueberry cream cheese mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice. Place the slices, spread side up, in a single layer filling the prepared baking dish.
Mix Custard: In a glass measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring all are thoroughly soaked.
Refrigerate to Marinate: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard and flavors.
Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake Covered: Place the foil-covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes to cook through gently.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden brown top.
Prepare the Topping: While baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in brown sugar until smooth, then add maple syrup and cinnamon, stirring to blend thoroughly.
Serve: Drizzle the warm maple butter topping over the baked French toast casserole just before serving for a rich, sweet finish.

Notes

For best results, allow the casserole to refrigerate overnight to fully absorb flavors.
Can be prepared up to one day in advance and kept refrigerated before baking.
Use heavy cream for richer custard or milk for a lighter option.
Frozen blueberries may be used if fresh are unavailable, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid excess moisture.
For easier slicing, use day-old bread to help maintain structure during soaking.
If preferred, substitute cream cheese with a vegan or dairy-free alternative for dietary needs.

Keywords: blueberry, french toast casserole, overnight, breakfast, brunch, cream cheese, maple syrup, baked french toast