French Toast with Cream Cheese and Blueberries is a rich and indulgent baked breakfast dish that combines the warm, custardy goodness of French toast with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese and bursts of fresh blueberries. Perfect for brunch or a special morning treat, this dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead for convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent and Flavorful – Cream cheese adds richness, while blueberries provide a fresh, tangy contrast.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a stress-free breakfast.
- Perfect for Brunch – A crowd-pleasing dish ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.
- Baked, Not Fried – A hands-off approach that allows you to prepare other dishes while it cooks.
- Customizable – Easily adapt with different fruits, spices, or toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Butter for greasing
Directions
- Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling – In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble the French toast – Spread the cream cheese mixture between slices of bread and scatter blueberries on top. Arrange the stuffed slices in the greased baking dish.
- Make the custard – In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the bread – Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to help it absorb the liquid. Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak.
- Bake – Transfer to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Serve – Enjoy warm with extra maple syrup, powdered sugar, or additional fresh blueberries.
Servings and Timing
- Servings – 6 servings
- Prep Time – 15 minutes
- Cooking Time – 35 minutes
- Total Time – 50 minutes
- Calories – 380 kcal per serving
Variations
- Berry Medley – Swap blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or a mix of berries.
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for extra texture.
- Chocolate Twist – Stir mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling.
- Spiced Version – Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Make It Overnight – Assemble the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for an easy make-ahead meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
- Freezing – Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche or challah?
Yes, but brioche and challah provide a richer texture and absorb the custard better.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy French toast?
Make sure to let the bread soak for 15 minutes, but not too long, and bake until fully set.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but do not thaw them before baking to prevent excess moisture.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, substitute eggs with a mixture of mashed banana or a plant-based egg replacer.
What can I serve with this baked French toast?
Pair it with fresh fruit, yogurt, crispy bacon, or a hot cup of coffee.
Can I bake this in a muffin tin for individual servings?
Yes! Divide the bread and custard mixture into greased muffin cups and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
How do I add extra sweetness?
Drizzle with honey, caramel sauce, or dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
French Toast with Cream Cheese and Blueberries is a perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and indulgent flavors. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a comforting breakfast, this baked French toast is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and customize. Try it today and enjoy a warm, delicious morning treat!
