Delicious Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake
Elevate your brunch experience with this scrumptious Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake, a delightful twist on traditional bread pudding. Perfectly designed to serve a crowd, this recipe harmoniously blends creamy reduced-fat ingredients with the juicy burst of blueberries, creating a dessert-like breakfast option that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. With easy preparation and a heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen, this dish will become a brunch staple cherished by family and friends alike. Serve it warm drizzled with sweet maple syrup for an unforgettable start to your day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
French bread
12 ounces (cubed (about 6 cups))
Frozen blueberries
1 (16 ounce) package ((3 cups if fresh))
Cream cheese
12 ounces (softened (reduced fat recommended))
Sour cream
1 cup ((reduced fat recommended))
Brown sugar
2/3 cup (firmly packed)
Milk
3/4 cup ((reduced fat recommended))
Maple syrup
1/2 cup
Eggs
10 (beaten)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Coat a 9x13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place the cubed French bread evenly inside the dish, creating a solid base.
3
Layer half of the frozen blueberries (or fresh, if using) evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring a beautiful distribution of fruit.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, removing any lumps.
5
Add the reduced-fat sour cream, firmly packed brown sugar, reduced-fat milk, and maple syrup to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and blended.
6
Incorporate the beaten eggs, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract into the creamy mixture. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined, ensuring a uniform consistency.
7
Carefully pour the creamy mixture over the bread and blueberries, making sure to soak all the bread pieces.
8
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
9
About 30 minutes before baking, remove the dish from the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature.
10
Bake in the preheated oven with the foil on for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture is set and no visible liquid egg remains.
11
Once baked, sprinkle the remaining blueberries on top for added flavor and presentation. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired. Enjoy every bite, and refrigerate any leftovers for a tasty breakfast treat later!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake?
It is a scrumptious brunch dish that offers a delightful twist on traditional bread pudding, blending creamy ingredients with juicy blueberries.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 10 beaten eggs.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13-inch glass baking dish is recommended.
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use 3 cups of fresh blueberries as a substitute for the 16-ounce package of frozen blueberries.
What type of bread is best for this breakfast bake?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of cubed French bread, which is approximately 6 cups.
How much cream cheese is needed?
You will need 12 ounces of softened cream cheese, and reduced-fat is recommended.
Does the dish need to be refrigerated before baking?
Yes, the dish should be covered tightly with foil and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the bake take to cook?
It takes about 30 minutes covered with foil, followed by an additional 20-25 minutes uncovered.
How do I know when the breakfast bake is done?
The bake is ready when the mixture is set and no visible liquid egg remains.
Should I bring the dish to room temperature before baking?
Yes, remove the dish from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature.
What should I serve with the Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake?
It is delicious served warm with a drizzle of sweet maple syrup.
How much brown sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
Can I use regular sour cream?
Yes, although reduced-fat sour cream is recommended to keep the dish lighter.
What spices are included in the mixture?
The recipe includes one teaspoon of ground cinnamon for flavor.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of vanilla extract is incorporated into the creamy mixture.
When do I add the remaining blueberries?
The remaining blueberries should be sprinkled on top of the dish once it has finished baking.
How much maple syrup goes into the mixture?
A 1/2 cup of maple syrup is mixed directly into the cream cheese and egg base.
Is milk required for this bake?
Yes, the recipe uses 3/4 cup of milk, with reduced-fat milk being the recommendation.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, coat the glass baking dish with cooking spray before adding the bread cubes.
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened and then beaten until smooth and creamy to remove any lumps.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, any leftovers should be refrigerated and can be enjoyed as a tasty breakfast treat later.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
Yes, it is perfectly designed to serve a crowd and is an ideal choice for brunch.
What is the texture of the dish?
It has a creamy texture similar to bread pudding with bursts of juicy fruit throughout.
Can I prepare this the same day I bake it?
The recipe specifically recommends overnight refrigeration to allow the bread to soak up the liquid and flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: French bread, blueberries, cream cheese, sour cream, brown sugar, milk, maple syrup, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Why do I bake it covered with foil first?
Baking it covered first helps the center cook and set without the top becoming too brown or dry.
Is this a sweet or savory breakfast?
This is a sweet, dessert-like breakfast option.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
While this recipe is designed for blueberries, the method could likely be adapted for other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
How much French bread is used in cups?
12 ounces of French bread equals approximately 6 cups when cubed.