Lemon Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese

Certainly! Here’s a detailed **Lemon Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese** recipe that goes well beyond 600 words and offers a delightful blend of citrusy brightness, berry sweetness, and creamy indulgence.

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## **Lemon Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese**

*A bright and luscious breakfast casserole perfect for brunch, holidays, or make-ahead morning magic.*

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### 💛 Why You’ll Love This Dish

French toast casseroles are already beloved for their rich, custard-soaked texture and ease of preparation. But this version takes it a step further with fresh blueberries, zesty lemon, and pockets of sweetened cream cheese that melt into every bite. Whether you’re serving this for Easter, Mother’s Day, a weekend brunch, or simply a slow Saturday morning, it’s guaranteed to impress.

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### 🥄 Servings: 8–10

### ⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 4–12 hours | Bake Time: 45–50 minutes

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### 🧾 Ingredients

#### **For the Casserole:**

* 1 loaf (about 14–16 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

* 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries

* 8 oz cream cheese, cubed

* Zest of 1 large lemon

* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

* 8 large eggs

* 2 ½ cups whole milk

* ½ cup heavy cream

* ¾ cup granulated sugar

* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

* Pinch of salt

#### **For the Topping (Optional):**

* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

* ½ teaspoon lemon zest

* Powdered sugar, for dusting

* Maple syrup or blueberry compote, for serving

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### 🍽️ Equipment

* 9x13-inch baking dish

* Large mixing bowl

* Whisk

* Aluminum foil

* Cooking spray or butter for greasing

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### 🧑‍🍳 Instructions

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Base Layer**

1. Start by greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Cube the bread into 1-inch chunks. Brioche or challah is recommended because of its rich, soft texture. Slightly stale bread works best as it soaks up more custard without becoming mushy.

3. Add half the bread cubes to the prepared dish. Sprinkle evenly with half of the blueberries and dot with half of the cream cheese cubes.

4. Add the remaining bread cubes, followed by the rest of the blueberries and cream cheese.

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#### **Step 2: Make the Custard**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice, cinnamon (if using), and salt until thoroughly combined.

2. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, ensuring it soaks in thoroughly.

3. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or clean hands to help it absorb the liquid.

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#### **Step 3: Chill the Casserole**

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the bread to absorb the custard completely and results in a creamier texture when baked.

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#### **Step 4: Bake the Casserole**

1. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C).

2. If desired, mix 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with ½ teaspoon lemon zest and sprinkle it over the top before baking for a crisp, sweet crust.

3. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

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#### **Step 5: Serve and Garnish**

1. Let the casserole cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows it to firm up for cleaner servings.

2. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

3. Serve with warm maple syrup, whipped cream, or a spoonful of blueberry compote for extra indulgence.

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### 🍋 Tips and Variations

* **Bread Substitute**: Don’t have brioche? Use French bread or sourdough, but make sure it’s slightly stale or toast it for a few minutes in the oven.

* **Frozen Blueberries**: You can use frozen blueberries without thawing, but note that they may slightly tint the custard purple.

* **Make Ahead**: This casserole is perfect for prepping the night before a holiday breakfast. Just bake in the morning and serve hot.

* **Cream Cheese Filling Tip**: Want gooey ribbons of cream cheese throughout instead of chunks? Blend the cream cheese with ¼ cup powdered sugar and dollop spoonfuls between the bread layers.

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### 🫐 Final Thoughts

This **Lemon Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese** is a dreamy, creamy, fruity dish that balances sweetness with the fresh tang of lemon and richness from the custard-soaked bread and cream cheese. It’s as beautiful as it is comforting, and it can easily be the star of any brunch table.

Would you like a printable version or suggestions for a blueberry compote topping?