Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a delicious and convenient make-ahead breakfast dish featuring layers of French bread and fresh blueberries soaked in a rich custard, topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb. Perfect for holiday mornings or brunch gatherings, it bakes to a golden perfection and can be served with powdered sugar and maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Custard
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional for Serving
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer Bread and Blueberries: Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish and sprinkle with blueberries. Top with the remaining bread cubes and additional blueberries to create layers.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread layers, gently pressing down to ensure all pieces absorb the liquid for optimal texture and flavor.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak and the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle the Topping: Just before baking, evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the soaked casserole for a crunchy, sweet finish.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown, indicating it is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired before serving for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Frozen blueberries can be used directly without thawing to save time.
- Add lemon zest to the custard for a bright and fresh citrus flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
