A Make-Ahead Brunch Showstopper with Creamy Custard & Buttery Streusel
✨ Why You’ll Love This
This blueberry-studded French toast casserole is:
✅ Perfect for entertaining (prep the night before!)
✅ Loaded with juicy blueberries and cinnamon-kissed custard
✅ Topped with a crunchy streusel for texture contrast
✅ Great for holidays, brunches, or lazy weekends
📝 Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf French bread (about 10 cups), cut into 1-inch cubes (stale works best!)
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 8 large eggs
- 2½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
For Serving (Optional):
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Assemble the Casserole (Night Before)
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the bread cubes, then half the blueberries. Repeat.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
- Pour evenly over bread, pressing down gently to soak.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
2. Bake Next Morning
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make streusel: Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle streusel over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered 45–50 mins until golden and set.
- Rest 10 mins before serving.
3. Serve & Enjoy!
- Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.
🌟 Pro Tips
🍞 Bread Tips:
- Use stale bread for better custard absorption.
- Swap breads: Try brioche, challah, or croissants.
🫐 Berry Tricks:
- Toss frozen blueberries in 1 tbsp flour to prevent sinking.
- Mix berries: Raspberries or blackberries work too!
⏳ Make-Ahead & Storage:
- Unbaked casserole keeps refrigerated for 24 hours.
- Leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15 mins.
❓ FAQs
1. Can I use egg substitute?
Yes! Replace eggs with 2 cups liquid egg substitute.
2. Why is my casserole soggy?
- Bread wasn’t stale enough → Toast cubes at 300°F for 10 mins first.
- Overbaked custard → Check at 45 mins.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use GF bread and GF flour in the streusel.
4. How do I prevent streusel from burning?
- Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.
- Bake on lower rack for even heat.
5. Can I skip the overnight soak?
Soak at least 2 hours, but overnight yields the best texture.
🍽️ Final Thoughts
This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is brunch perfection—custardy, fruity, and crowned with buttery crunch. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
“Wake up to the smell of cinnamon and blueberries!” ☀️
Tag us in your photos! 📸 #BlueberryFrenchToastBake
