Creamy Blueberry French Toast Bake
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Blueberry French Toast Bake, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch with family and friends. This innovative recipe combines the creamy goodness of cream cheese with the tartness of blueberries, layered between hearty slices of white and French bread. With fewer ingredients and less sugar than traditional recipes, this dish is not only easier to prepare but also a healthier option. Enjoy a satisfying and delicious meal that can be prepped the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for an irresistible start to your day. Experiment with different types of bread for your very own gourmet twist on this classic dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
White bread
4 slices (Crust removed)
French bread
4 slices (Sliced)
Frozen blueberries
1 cup (Frozen)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Sugar
1/3 cup (Granulated)
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Eggs
4 (Large eggs)
Milk
1/2 cup (Whole or your preferred type)
Cinnamon
To taste (Ground)
Almond extract
1/2 teaspoon (Or substitute with vanilla extract)
Instructions
1
Cut the crusts off the white bread slices, taking care to save as much of the soft bread as possible.
2
Grease an 8x8-inch glass baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
3
Arrange the crustless white bread slices in a single layer at the bottom of the dish.
4
Evenly sprinkle the frozen blueberries over the bread slices, ensuring good coverage.
5
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and well blended. Alternatively, you can melt them in a small saucepan over low heat on the stove, stirring continuously.
6
Once melted, stir in the sugar and almond extract until combined.
7
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the blueberry layer, covering as much as possible.
8
Layer the slices of French bread on top of the cream cheese mixture, ensuring it covers the entire dish. If using smaller slices, adjust the number accordingly.
9
In a tall glass or bowl, crack the 4 eggs, then add the milk and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. Whisk together until fully combined and smooth.
10
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers of French bread, using a fork to gently press down to help absorb the liquid.
11
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (spraying the underside with cooking oil to prevent sticking) and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 3-4 hours.
12
When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
13
Bake the covered dish for 45 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
14
Check for doneness; if you prefer a firmer texture, bake for additional time as needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Blueberry French Toast Bake?
It is an innovative breakfast or brunch dish that layers white and French bread with a creamy cheese mixture and tart blueberries.
What kind of blueberries are recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for one cup of frozen blueberries.
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
While the recipe suggests frozen, you can experiment with fresh blueberries for a similar gourmet twist.
Why should I remove the crusts from the white bread?
Removing the crusts ensures the bottom layer is soft and absorbs the cream cheese mixture well.
What size baking dish do I need?
You should use an 8x8-inch glass baking dish for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Grease the dish with butter or a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
How do I melt the cream cheese and butter?
You can microwave them on high for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, or melt them in a small saucepan over low heat.
Can I use a substitute for almond extract?
Yes, you can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, making it a healthier option with less sugar than traditional recipes.
What type of bread is used for the top layer?
Slices of French bread are used for the top layer to provide a hearty texture.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 4 large eggs for the custard mixture.
What type of milk can I use?
You can use 1/2 cup of whole milk or your preferred type of milk.
Do I need to add cinnamon?
A generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon is added to the egg and milk mixture for flavor.
How do I ensure the bread absorbs the liquid?
Use a fork to gently press down on the bread layers after pouring the egg mixture over them.
How long should the dish be refrigerated?
Refrigerate the dish overnight, or for at least 3-4 hours, to let the flavors meld.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Covering with foil helps the center cook through without burning the top; remember to spray the underside with oil to prevent sticking.
What is the baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does the bake take?
Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The top should be golden brown and the center should be set.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is designed to be an easy recipe with fewer ingredients than traditional French toast bakes.
Can I make this dish for a large group?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
Is this considered a make-ahead meal?
Absolutely, prepping it the night before is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use different types of bread?
Yes, you can experiment with different bread types for your own gourmet twist.
What gives the dish its creaminess?
The combination of 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and butter creates the creamy layer.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this bake.
Is this recipe healthy?
It is described as a healthier option because it uses less sugar than many classic versions.
Can I add more blueberries if I want?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of frozen blueberries for better coverage if desired.
What should I do if the texture is too soft?
If you prefer a firmer texture, bake for additional time as needed until the center is fully set.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is specifically designed for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
How should I serve the French toast bake?
Serve it warm immediately after baking for the best experience.