Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a sweet, soft, and fruity breakfast treat that brings together fluffy bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard and bursting with fresh blueberries. It’s like French toast and a berry-filled bake had the best morning ever. The top gets lightly crispy while the inside stays creamy and soft, making each bite feel just right.
I love making this casserole the night before because it gives the flavors time to mingle and lets the bread soak up all that custard goodness. Then, all I have to do is pop it in the oven in the morning, which makes it perfect for busy weekdays or a slow weekend brunch. Plus, the blueberries add a nice burst of natural sweetness and a little pop of color that makes the dish feel extra special.
My favorite way to serve this is with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. It’s great the first day, but honestly, I find it even yummier the next morning when the flavors have settled even more. It always brings a smile to the table because it feels like a cozy, homemade breakfast that’s just a little bit fancy without being any trouble at all.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah works best for a soft, rich texture. If you want a lighter option, use French bread or a sturdy sandwich bread. Day-old bread soaks up the custard better without getting mushy.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries give a nice pop of flavor and color. If fresh aren’t available, frozen works too; just thaw and drain any excess liquid first.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream make the custard rich and creamy. For a lighter dish, swap heavy cream for more milk or use a non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk.
Eggs: Eggs bind the custard and help the casserole set nicely. Using large eggs is best to keep the balance of wet and dry ingredients.
Sugar & Spices: Granulated sugar sweetens the custard, while cinnamon adds warmth. You can reduce sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra spice.
How Can You Make Sure the Casserole Soaks Up the Custard Without Getting Soggy?
Getting the right custard soak is key to a great texture — soft inside, not soggy. Follow these tips:
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread. Fresh bread can get too soft and fall apart.
- Cut the bread into cubes to help it soak evenly.
- After pouring the egg mixture over the bread, press down gently so the bread absorbs the custard well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time lets the bread soak up the custard fully.
- When baking, don’t skip covering the dish while soaking, but remove the foil towards the end to get a golden top.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I recommend this size because it’s perfect for the amount of bread and makes serving easy.
- Mixing bowls – use a large one to whisk together the custard ingredients; I like a bigger bowl to avoid splashes.
- Whisk – helps blend the eggs, milk, cream, and spices smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for accurately adding ingredients like sugar, vanilla, and spices.
- Aluminum foil – for covering the casserole during baking so it soaks up the custard without drying out.
- Optional: Baking spray or butter – to lightly grease the dish for easy removal.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap blueberries for raspberries or sliced strawberries for different fruity flavors. They add sweetness and a pop of color.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and texture.
- Mix in cream cheese cubes before baking for a creamy, cheesy layer that pairs well with berries.
- Sprinkle some nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice along with cinnamon for a warm, cozy twist.
Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf thick-cut bread (brioche or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for serving)
Custard Mixture:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup
Time You’ll Need
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours or overnight for the bread to soak in the custard in the fridge. Baking time is around 45-55 minutes. Plan ahead to get the best taste and texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
2. Add the Blueberries:
Sprinkle fresh blueberries evenly over the bread cubes. This will give you juicy bursts of flavor in every bite.
3. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Custard with Bread and Blueberries:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries in the baking dish. Press down gently on the bread cubes to help them soak up the custard.
5. Add Butter and Refrigerate:
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Take the casserole out of the fridge and remove the foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, add extra fresh blueberries on top, and drizzle with maple syrup. Enjoy your warm, fruity French toast casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen blueberries well before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess moisture that could make it soggy.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely. In fact, refrigerating it overnight helps the bread soak up the custard fully, resulting in a creamier, more flavorful dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the texture soft and delicious.
What Can I Substitute for Brioche or Challah Bread?
French bread or any sturdy white bread works well. Just avoid very soft or thin-sliced bread, which may become too mushy when soaked.