Healthy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Blueberries and Maple-Cream Cheese Glaze

This Healthy Overnight French Toast Casserole with blueberries and a decadent maple-cream cheese glaze is the perfect breakfast or brunch dish for busy mornings. Made with whole wheat bread, fresh blueberries, and a rich maple glaze, this casserole is easy to prepare the night before and baked to golden perfection the next day. Ideal for meal prep, it’s a healthier twist on traditional French toast. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome make-ahead breakfast or a sweet treat to serve guests, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf whole wheat bread (minus the heels)
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 8 large eggs
• 2 ¼ cups milk
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Maple-Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• Additional maple syrup for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Casserole
   Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Cut the whole wheat bread into 1-inch cubes and evenly spread them in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries over the bread and set the pan aside.
2. Make the Custard
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Press the bread down with your fingers to ensure that all of it is soaked in the custard. Add a little extra milk if needed to make sure the bread is saturated.
3. Refrigerate
   Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the bread absorb the custard mixture.
4. Bake
   The next morning, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
5. Make the Maple-Cream Cheese Glaze
   While the casserole bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together the softened cream cheese and maple syrup until smooth and creamy.
6. Serve
   Once the casserole is done baking, drizzle the maple-cream cheese glaze over the top. If desired, add an extra drizzle of pure maple syrup before serving.

Tips

• Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Prepare the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth and flavor.
• Even Soak: If the bread doesn’t seem fully soaked after pouring the custard, gently press it down a little more before refrigerating.

Variations and Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk, and substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Fruit Options: Swap blueberries for other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or sliced bananas for a different flavor twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version of this casserole.

FAQs

Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use other types of bread like challah or brioche for a richer, sweeter flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries or orange slices for a balanced breakfast.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect brunch spread.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenient: Perfect for busy mornings—just prep the night before and bake the next morning.
• Wholesome: Made with whole wheat bread, fresh fruit, and a delicious maple glaze, it’s a healthier twist on classic French toast.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients or add extra toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Healthy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Blueberries and Maple-Cream Cheese Glaze

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

4

hours 

Cooking time

45

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 loaf whole wheat bread (minus the heels)

• 2 cups fresh blueberries

• 8 large eggs

• 2 ¼ cups milk

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• For the Maple-Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• Additional maple syrup for serving (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Casserole
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Cut the whole wheat bread into 1-inch cubes and evenly spread them in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries over the bread and set the pan aside.
• Make the Custard
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Press the bread down with your fingers to ensure that all of it is soaked in the custard. Add a little extra milk if needed to make sure the bread is saturated.
• Refrigerate
• Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the bread absorb the custard mixture.
• Bake
• The next morning, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
• Make the Maple-Cream Cheese Glaze
• While the casserole bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together the softened cream cheese and maple syrup until smooth and creamy.
• Serve
• Once the casserole is done baking, drizzle the maple-cream cheese glaze over the top. If desired, add an extra drizzle of pure maple syrup before serving.