If you’re looking to win the hearts (and appetites) of everyone at your table, you simply have to make this Overnight Blueberry French Toast. Imagine layers of pillowy bread, creamy pockets of cream cheese, and bursts of juicy blueberries all soaked in a sweet custard, then crowned with a glossy homemade blueberry sauce. It’s the ultimate breakfast casserole—simple enough for a weekday, but so special it feels made for celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that a handful of simple ingredients—the kind you likely have on hand—can create breakfast magic. Each item plays an important role: imparting richness, giving lift, providing fruitiness, or adding a hint of vanilla that makes it all addictive.
- French bread (about 14 oz), cubed: Day-old bread works best for soaking up the custard without losing structure.
- Cream cheese (8 oz), cubed: These creamy surprise bites add a tangy richness that contrasts beautifully with the berries and bread.
- Blueberries (1 cup for casserole, 1 cup for topping): Use fresh or frozen; they provide pops of color and a sweet-tart flavor that make every bite sing.
- Eggs (8 large): The backbone of the custard that binds everything into a sliceable, tender casserole.
- Milk (2 cups): Whole milk gives the best texture, but 2 percent works if that’s what you have.
- Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Sweetens the custard with a warm, earthy depth.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Don’t skip it—this little dash makes the whole dish smell like heaven.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup, for topping): The base for your homemade blueberry sauce, balancing tartness and sweetness.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp, for topping): Thickens the blueberry sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
- Water (1 cup, for topping): Helps dissolve sugar and cornstarch while making the sauce just the right pourable thickness.
- Butter (1 tbsp, for topping): To finish the sauce with luscious silkiness and richness.
How to Make Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Step 1: Assemble the Base
First, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent any sticking. Scatter half the bread cubes in an even layer at the bottom—these will catch all the lovely custard. Then, dot the cream cheese cubes and sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries over that bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes, making a cozy bed for your luscious custard to soak through.
Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. This custard will transform the bread and cream cheese into something truly special. Pour it evenly over the bread mixture, making sure every nook and cranny is soaked. Gently press down the bread with a spatula so it drinks up every drop.
Step 3: Chill Overnight
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and stash it in the fridge overnight. This extended rest lets the bread absorb all the custard, turning it from a basic mix to a unified, custardy treat. It also frees you up in the morning—so you can wake up, bake, and bask in the delicious aromas with no last-minute fuss.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
In the morning, remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 25 to 30 minutes. It’s ready when the center is set and the top is beautifully golden and just a little crisp.
Step 5: Make the Blueberry Sauce
While your casserole bakes, whip up the dazzling blueberry topping. In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar and cornstarch, then add water. Bring it all to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add in the second cup of blueberries, reduce the heat, and let it gently simmer until the berries burst and the sauce thickens (about 8–10 minutes). Stir in the butter at the end for a glossy, decadent finish.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
When the Overnight Blueberry French Toast emerges golden and puffed, serve it warm, spooned generously with the blueberry sauce. Every bite is a mix of custard-soaked bread, creamy bites, and a bright blueberry crown—it’s pure breakfast joy.
How to Serve Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Garnishes
The best part? Dressing it up! A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream turns your Overnight Blueberry French Toast into a showstopper. Add a little lemon zest or fresh mint for even more color and a subtle zing that balances the dish’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and satisfying, so it pairs well with lighter sides. Offer a bowl of fresh fruit salad, crisp bacon, or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette. These add brightness and variety without overwhelming the star of the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the Overnight Blueberry French Toast in individual ramekins for a personalized touch (hello, brunch party!). Or, for festive occasions, scatter a mix of berries on top just before serving for a vibrant, jewel-like finish. Leftovers also make an amazing brunch parfait layered with Greek yogurt and granola.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a real treat to reheat a square for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Freezing
To freeze, pop individual portions into freezer-safe containers once cooled. Blueberry French toast freezes beautifully—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a ready-made sweet breakfast on standby.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven, covered lightly with foil until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). In a pinch, the microwave works too—just be sure it’s in short bursts so it doesn’t dry out. The topping can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or even a berry blend can be swapped for the blueberries and will taste just as wonderful. Adjust the sweetness of the topping if you use tarter fruits.
Can I make Overnight Blueberry French Toast dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and a dairy-free butter alternative for equally amazing results. The key is to choose creamy alternatives for the best texture.
Does it still work if I don’t have time to chill overnight?
If you’re short on time, chill for at least 2 hours to let the bread absorb the custard. While overnight gives the best results, a shorter soak will still produce a delicious, though slightly softer, casserole.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The Overnight Blueberry French Toast is ready when the edges are puffed and golden and the center is set—give it a little shake; it shouldn’t jiggle much. Inserting a knife in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use two 9×13-inch pans and bake both at the same time (you may need a little extra time). This is a crowd-pleasing breakfast for holidays, family reunions, or anytime you want to impress a group.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again—easy enough for everyday, yet special enough for the fanciest celebration. Give it a try and watch it become everyone’s new favorite way to start the day!
Print
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with this Overnight Blueberry French Toast. Creamy and sweet, this baked French toast features layers of French bread, cream cheese, and juicy blueberries, topped with a homemade blueberry sauce.
Ingredients
French Toast:
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare French Toast: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the bread cubes, cream cheese, and blueberries in the dish. Pour egg mixture over the layers. Refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 25–30 minutes until set.
- Make Topping: Cook sugar, cornstarch, and water until thickened. Stir in blueberries and butter.
- Serve: Top warm French toast with blueberry sauce.
Notes
- You can use raspberries or mixed berries instead of blueberries.
- This dish can be fully prepped the night before and reheated well.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
