Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast

Indulge in Breakfast Bliss: Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Recipe

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will awaken your senses with the delightful aroma and flavors of Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast. This decadent breakfast bake is the epitome of comfort food, combining rich French bread, luscious cream cheese, and plump blueberries, all soaked in a creamy custard and topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or craving a special treat for breakfast, this indulgent dish is sure to become a family favorite. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating this mouthwatering Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast that will elevate your morning routine to new heights.

Ingredients:

French Toast Bake:

• 1 loaf French bread (or Texas Toast)
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 16 pieces
• 1 pint blueberries, washed and dried

Brown Sugar Topping:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small squares

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare French Toast Base: Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices and arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
4. Assemble French Toast: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring that each slice is coated. Allow the bread to soak up the custard for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Add Cream Cheese and Blueberries: Evenly distribute the cream cheese pieces and blueberries over the soaked bread slices, pressing them gently into the bread.
6. Prepare Brown Sugar Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Add the cold butter squares and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Add Topping: Sprinkle the brown sugar topping evenly over the cream cheese and blueberries.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown and set in the center.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the French toast to cool slightly before serving. Slice into squares and serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or additional fresh blueberries if desired.

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the French toast bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed. This is perfect for busy mornings or when entertaining guests.
• Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by using different types of berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds for added crunch.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, you can use non-dairy milk alternatives such as almond milk or coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen blueberries in this recipe. However, keep in mind that frozen blueberries may release more moisture during baking, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
2. Can I use a different type of bread? While French bread or Texas Toast works best for this recipe, you can also use brioche, challah, or even stale bread if that’s what you have on hand.
3. Can I omit the cream cheese? While the cream cheese adds a delicious creamy texture to the French toast, you can omit it if desired or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative.
4. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some modifications you can make to adapt this recipe:

• Use Low-Carb Sweetener: Replace the sugar and brown sugar in the custard mixture with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
• Almond Flour Topping: Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour in the brown sugar topping to reduce the carb content.
• Serve with Sugar-Free Syrup: Instead of maple syrup, serve the French toast with sugar-free syrup to keep the carb count low.

In conclusion, our Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast is a delightful blend of sweet and creamy flavors that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. With its golden-brown crust, creamy center, and burst of fresh blueberries, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a leisurely weekend breakfast at home, this French toast bake is a delicious way to start your day. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of breakfast bliss with our Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast. Bon appétit!