Gourmet Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
Indulge in this decadent Gourmet Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake, a delightful breakfast dish that elevates your morning routine. Perfect for brunch gatherings or leisurely family breakfasts, this recipe layers soft, buttery bread with creamy, luscious cheese and bursts of sweet blueberries. It can be prepared the night before, allowing the rich flavors to meld beautifully overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead option. Enjoy with a homemade blueberry syrup for the ultimate sweet touch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
day-old white bread
12 slices (crusts removed, cut into 1-inch cubes)
cream cheese
2 packages (8 ounces each) (cut into 1-inch cubes)
fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup (washed if fresh)
eggs
12 (beaten)
milk
2 cups
maple syrup or honey
1/3 cup
sugar
1 cup
cornstarch
2 tablespoons
water
1 cup
butter
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking dish.
2
Layer half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish to create a solid base.
3
Cut the cream cheese into 1-inch cubes and distribute them evenly over the bread layer to ensure creamy bites in every slice.
4
Sprinkle the fresh or frozen blueberries generously over the cream cheese layer.
5
Top with the remaining half of the cubed bread, ensuring an even coverage.
6
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and your choice of maple syrup or honey until well combined.
7
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, pressing down slightly to ensure every piece is soaked.
8
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop.
9
Remove the dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature.
10
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
11
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
12
Meanwhile, prepare the blueberry syrup. In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch, then add water.
13
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes until thickened.
14
Add the blueberries, reduce heat, and let simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the berries burst and the syrup thickens.
15
Finish the syrup by stirring in butter until melted and smooth.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake?
It is a decadent breakfast casserole featuring layers of cubed white bread, cream cheese, and blueberries, all soaked in a sweet egg mixture and baked until golden.
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen blueberries for both the bake and the homemade syrup.
How long does the French toast need to refrigerate?
The dish should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
Day-old white bread is best for this recipe because it holds its shape well after soaking; ensure you remove the crusts.
Can I substitute maple syrup with honey in the egg mixture?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/3 cup of maple syrup or honey based on your preference.
How do I prepare the cream cheese for the bake?
You should cut two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese into 1-inch cubes and distribute them evenly over the first bread layer.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13-inch baking dish should be used and lightly greased before layering the ingredients.
At what temperature should the French toast be baked?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the dish take to bake?
Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncovered for another 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
How do I make the homemade blueberry syrup?
Boil sugar, cornstarch, and water until thickened, then add blueberries and simmer until they burst, finishing with a tablespoon of butter.
Should the dish be at room temperature before baking?
Yes, remove the dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 12 large eggs, beaten, for the custard base.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the syrup recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to give the blueberry syrup a rich, pourable consistency.
Can I use other types of berries?
While this recipe specifies blueberries, you could substitute them with raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers of this French toast bake?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this recipe be halved for a smaller family?
Yes, you can halve the ingredients and use an 8x8-inch baking dish, though you should monitor the baking time closely.
Is it necessary to remove the bread crusts?
The recipe suggests removing crusts to ensure a uniform, soft, and pudding-like texture throughout the bake.
Can I make the blueberry syrup in advance?
Yes, the syrup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator; just gently reheat it before serving.
What should I do if the center of the bake is still wet?
If the center is not set after the recommended time, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to prevent the top from burning.
Can I use milk alternatives like almond or oat milk?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 cups of milk with a non-dairy alternative, though the richness of the custard may change slightly.
Does the bread need to be cut into specific sizes?
The recipe recommends cutting the bread into 1-inch cubes for optimal soaking and texture.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding pecans or walnuts to the top layer before baking can provide a nice crunch.
Is this a good make-ahead dish for brunch?
Absolutely, its overnight refrigeration requirement makes it perfect for stress-free hosting.
How much sugar is in the blueberry syrup?
The syrup uses 1 cup of sugar combined with water and cornstarch.
What makes this 'gourmet'?
The combination of double-layered bread, thick cubes of cream cheese, and a scratch-made blueberry syrup elevates it above standard French toast.
Should I wash the blueberries before using them?
If using fresh blueberries, they should be washed and dried before being added to the dish.
Can I freeze the baked French toast?
Yes, once cooled, you can freeze individual slices or the whole dish for up to 2 months if wrapped tightly.
How do I reheat the French toast bake?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the dish back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What is the role of butter in the syrup?
Adding butter at the end of the syrup preparation provides a smooth, glossy finish and a richer flavor.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
A standard 9x13-inch bake typically serves 8 to 12 people depending on the portion size.