Blueberry Cinnamon Crumb Baked French Toast: The Ultimate Brunch Casserole
Wake up to tender, custardy bread with a buttery topping and bursts of sweet flavor.
Blueberry Cinnamon Crumb Baked French Toast
This Blueberry Cinnamon Crumb Baked French Toast casserole is the perfect centerpiece for any brunch or holiday breakfast. With juicy blueberries, warm cinnamon, and a buttery crumb topping, it’s an irresistible treat that’s easy to assemble the night before. Whether serving a crowd or simply craving a comforting morning meal, this make-ahead dish is guaranteed to delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepped the night before, letting the flavors meld and saving you precious morning time.
- Perfect for Crowds: Serves up to 10-12, making it ideal for holidays, family brunches, or potlucks.
- Delightful Texture: Combines custardy soaked bread, crisp crumb topping, and bursts of fresh blueberries in every bite.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the fruit, bread, or spices per your preferences or pantry staples.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips & Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Nutritional Information
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for your blueberry cinnamon baked French toast casserole. Quantities are approximate for a 9×13-inch baking dish.
| For the French Toast Base | For the Crumb Topping |
|---|---|
|
|
Optional extras:
- Maple or blueberry syrup for serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) sprinkled over the top
- Whipped cream for an indulgent touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Bread and Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Tear or cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Arrange the bread evenly in the prepared dish. If using very fresh bread, let the cubes air-dry for 30–60 minutes to prevent a soggy texture.
2. Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, pressing them gently to soak up the custard.
3. Add the Blueberries
Scatter blueberries over the top, reserving a handful to add just before baking for a burst of color. Lightly toss to distribute throughout the bread mixture.
4. Make the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Add the cold butter pieces. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs—resembling small pebbles.
5. Assemble and Chill Overnight
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours to allow the bread to soak up all the custard. Store the crumb topping separately in a small airtight container or a resealable bag in the fridge.
6. Bake the Casserole
When ready to bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Uncover the chilled casserole. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the surface, then add a few more blueberries if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is cooked through. For a softer, bread-pudding texture, bake for about 45 minutes; for a firmer slice, extend to 1 hour.
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7. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm, with maple syrup, blueberry syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Add a pat of butter or whipped cream for extra decadence. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Customize or troubleshoot your blueberry cinnamon baked French toast using these handy suggestions.
- Bread Choices: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best, as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy. Brioche, challah, bakery French bread, or even pita chips (for a crunchy twist) are excellent options.
- Fruit Variations: Swap blueberries for blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, or mix of berries. Apples or pears (peeled and diced) also work well with the cinnamon-brown sugar profile.
- Nuts & Add-ins: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds to the crumb topping or sprinkle them over before serving for crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk or oat milk and use coconut cream for the custard.
- If Using Frozen Blueberries: No need to thaw; sprinkle directly from frozen to avoid excess juice release.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread and flour blends in the topping.
- Single-Serve Option: Divide ingredients among ramekins or ovenproof mugs, and adjust baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, making it an excellent option for:
- Holiday Breakfasts: Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day
- Brunch Buffets: Easy to scoop and serve alongside eggs, bacon, and fruit salads
- Potlucks: Transportable and always a crowd-pleaser
- Weekend Treat: Make ahead for lazy mornings or breakfast in bed
Pair with a fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or savory egg bake for a beautiful spread. A mug of hot coffee or tea complements the sweet, comforting flavors perfectly.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 340 mg |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on typical ingredients and may vary based on bread choice, toppings, and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I prepare this French toast bake ahead of time?
A: Yes—the casserole must be assembled and refrigerated for at least 6 hours or, ideally, overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, leading to the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely. Add frozen blueberries straight from the freezer. They may release a bit more juice, but the dish remains delicious.
Q: What is the best bread for baked French toast?
A: Day-old sturdy breads like French bread, sourdough, brioche, or challah provide the best consistency as they soak up the custard while holding their shape.
Q: How do I know when my baked French toast is done?
A: The top should be golden brown and the center set. Insert a toothpick or knife—if it comes out mostly clean without liquid custard, it’s ready.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Cool leftovers completely, then wrap well and freeze up to one month. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: What toppings go well with this baked French toast?
A: Classic maple syrup, blueberry syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, dollop of whipped cream, and/or fresh berries are all wonderful choices.
Conclusion
Bursting with blueberries, infused with a hint of cinnamon, and layered with a sweet, buttery crumb, this make-ahead French toast casserole transforms breakfast into a celebration. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating yourself, you’ll love how easy and impressive this dish is—packed with texture, flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal.
References
- https://www.stlouis.style/recipes/cinnamon-baked-french-toast-the-pioneer-woman-cooks-ree-drummond/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/a8417/blueberry-baked-french-toast/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hNd-JXV44E
- https://thenoshery.com/blueberry-cinnamon-crumb-baked-french-toast/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a91797/blueberry-cinnamon-crumb-baked-french-toast/
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