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Creamy Lemon Blueberry French Toast Bake

creamy lemon blueberry french toast bake - featured image
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A bright and creamy French toast bake featuring swirled cream cheese and fresh blueberries, perfect for an easy and impressive brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 5 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Butter for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

  1. Cube 8 cups (about half a loaf) of brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch pieces. Spread the cubes out on a baking sheet and let them dry slightly if possible.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 5 large eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fully blended and slightly frothy.
  4. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half the bread cubes into the dish, sprinkle 1/2 cup fresh blueberries evenly over the layer, then dollop half the cream cheese mixture in spoonfuls over the bread. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the cream cheese through the bread without overmixing. Repeat with remaining bread, blueberries, and cream cheese.
  5. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese. Press down gently with the back of a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight if possible, or let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean).
  8. Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, soak overnight to allow bread to absorb custard fully. Gently swirl cream cheese to keep visible ribbons. Use brioche or challah for best texture. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Can substitute gluten-free bread or dairy-free alternatives as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, lemon blueberry, cream cheese swirl, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, baked French toast

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-lemon-blueberry-french-toast-bake-easy-recipe-for-perfect-brunch/