There is something magical about waking up to breakfast already waiting for you. This overnight blueberry French toast casserole is soft, creamy, lightly spiced, and dotted with juicy blueberries in every bite. It feels special enough for holidays, yet easy enough to make any weekend feel cozy.
I love serving this when family stays over or when mornings are busy but I still want something homemade and comforting. You prep it the night before, let the bread soak up all that rich vanilla custard, and then simply bake it until golden and warm. It smells incredible and tastes even better.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect make-ahead breakfast for stress-free mornings
- Soft, creamy layers with bursts of blueberry
- Ideal for holidays, brunch, or feeding a crowd
- Uses simple ingredients with bakery-style results
- Rich without being heavy
- Always a showstopper on the table
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup blueberries
Bread Layers
- 2 loaves French bread, cubed
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup blueberries
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Day-old French bread works best here. Slightly dry bread absorbs the custard without falling apart, giving you that perfect soft-but-structured texture.
Whole milk adds richness, but any milk will work. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for extra indulgence.
Fresh blueberries are lovely, but frozen blueberries also work. No need to thaw them first. Just sprinkle them straight on.
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries.
- Layer the bottom of a greased 10×14-inch baking dish with half of the bread cubes. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2 cups milk, remaining vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers, pressing gently so all the bread absorbs the liquid. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup blueberries over the top.
- Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bake covered for 45 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for about 30 more minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Press the bread gently after adding the egg mixture so it soaks evenly.
- Let the casserole sit out briefly before baking to promote even cooking.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
- Slice with a sharp knife for clean layers.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven covered until heated through.
Make Ahead and Freezing
This casserole is designed to be made ahead, which makes it perfect for holidays and brunch gatherings.
You can also freeze the baked casserole. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Tips and Variations
- Add lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for brightness.
- Swap blueberries for raspberries or mixed berries.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for texture.
- Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
- Add a crumble topping for extra crunch.
FAQs
Yes, but the cream cheese layer adds richness and contrast. Without it, the casserole will be more like classic French toast.
At least 6 to 8 hours is best so the bread fully absorbs the custard.
At least 6 to 8 hours is best so the bread fully absorbs the custard.
Absolutely. Brioche makes it extra soft and rich.
📖 Recipe
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole is a rich, fruity breakfast bake perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings. With creamy layers of sweetened cream cheese, juicy blueberries, and soft French bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg custard, it's make-ahead magic.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened, preferably Philadelphia)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (divided use)
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- Bread Layers:
- 2 loaves cubed French bread (day-old preferred)
- Egg Mixture:
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups milk (any kind, whole preferred)
- 8 large eggs
- ½ tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1 cup blueberries.
- Layer Bread: In a 10×14-inch baking dish, place half of the bread cubes. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly. Top with remaining bread cubes.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk eggs, 2 cups milk, remaining vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour over the layered bread, pressing gently to soak. Top with 1 cup blueberries.
- Chill Overnight: Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat & Bake: Remove from fridge 30-60 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake covered for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 30 minutes until golden and center is set.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best to soak up the custard without becoming soggy.
- To make it even more indulgent, top with a streusel or drizzle with maple syrup after baking.
- Great for holiday mornings or weekend meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this overnight blueberry French toast casserole warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a simple fruit salad.
I love setting this out on holiday mornings and letting everyone help themselves. It feels relaxed, generous, and joyful.
Nutrition and Notes
This recipe serves about 10 and is rich, comforting, and meant to be shared. The calories reflect a generous, indulgent breakfast meant for special mornings.
I have made this many times for Christmas morning and weekend brunches. It is one of those recipes that people remember and ask for again.
Reader Reviews
"Made this for Christmas morning and it was perfect."
"So creamy and comforting. Everyone loved it."
Related Recipes You'll Love
If you love make-ahead breakfasts, try my Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole for a savory option.
You may also enjoy my Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bowl for a cozy weekday breakfast.
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