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Unbelievable Blueberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

This Unbelievable Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish featuring cubes of French bread soaked in a rich custard mixture infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and fresh lemon zest. Topped with juicy blueberries and a buttery cinnamon-sugar crumble, it bakes to a golden brown perfection with a soft, custardy center and a crisp topping—perfectly comforting and packed with fresh berry flavor.

Ingredients

Base

  • 1 (12–14-ounce/340–400g) loaf French bread, sourdough bread, brioche, or challah
  • 1 cup (140g) fresh or frozen blueberries

Custard Mixture

  • 2 cups (480g/ml) whole milk
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120g/ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • pinch of salt

Topping

  • 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup (42g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Toppings

  • Extra blueberries
  • Maple syrup
  • Confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 9×13-inch pan thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Slice the bread, then cut it into approximately 1-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the fresh or frozen blueberries evenly over the bread cubes and set aside.
  2. Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, fresh lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth with no lumps. Pour this custard gently over the bread and blueberries in the baking pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
  3. Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
  4. Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold cubed unsalted butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Assemble the casserole: Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon-sugar crumble topping evenly over the soaked bread and blueberry mixture in the pan.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the custard is set. The casserole will be softer if baked for about 45 minutes; bake longer for a firmer texture.
  7. Serve and store: Serve the casserole warm, optionally topped with extra blueberries, maple syrup, or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Cover any leftovers tightly and refrigerate; it will keep well for 2–3 days.

Notes

  • For best flavor and texture, soak the bread overnight in the custard mixture.
  • Choose a dense bread like brioche or challah for richer results, but French bread or sourdough works well too.
  • You can substitute frozen blueberries; thaw them slightly before adding.
  • Adjust baking time based on your oven and preferred texture of the casserole.
  • Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/unbelievable-blueberry-french-toast-casserole-recipe/