Description
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole Delight is a decadent and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish. Featuring soft brioche bread soaked overnight in a rich custard mixture with fresh blueberries, then baked to a golden perfection. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and can be made ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf brioche or French bread, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Garnish
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and arrange half of the cubed bread evenly at the bottom.
- Add blueberries: Sprinkle half of the blueberries evenly over the bread layer, then add the remaining cubed bread on top followed by the rest of the blueberries, layering evenly.
- Mix custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined to create a smooth custard.
- Pour custard over bread: Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and blueberries, ensuring the bread is fully soaked.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake casserole: Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let it set further. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old brioche or French bread which absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- Frozen blueberries can be used but there is no need to thaw them before layering.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar if preferred.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before for stress-free mornings or brunch gatherings.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the bread with a gluten-free alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
