Decadent Blueberry French Toast Bake
Indulge in this delightful Decadent Blueberry French Toast Bake, the perfect make-ahead dish for your next brunch gathering. Combining soft, buttery bread with creamy cheese and bursting blueberries, it's a treat that balances flavor and ease of preparation. Ideal for lazy Sundays or special occasions, this dish can be made the night before and baked fresh in the morning, filling your home with a warm, inviting aroma. With the natural sweetness from blueberry syrup and a dollop of Cool Whip, it promises to be a hit without any added sugar. Feel free to customize this bake with whole wheat or sourdough bread for added texture and flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
white bread
4 slices (cut into 1-inch pieces)
reduced-fat cream cheese
4 ounces (cut into small pieces)
fresh blueberries
1 cup (washed)
pecans
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
eggs
4 (beaten)
fat-free half-and-half
3/4 cup (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
orange zest
1/2 teaspoon (grated (or lemon zest))
nutmeg
1 dash (none)
blueberry syrup
1/2 cup (recommended: Maple-Blueberry Syrup)
Cool Whip Lite
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish by spraying it generously with nonstick cooking spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, cream cheese pieces, fresh blueberries, and chopped pecans (if using). Stir gently to mix.
4
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, fat-free half-and-half, vanilla extract, orange zest, and a pinch of nutmeg until well blended.
5
Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture, ensuring all pieces of bread are evenly coated. Gently fold the ingredients together, taking care not to break the blueberries.
6
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and lightly sprinkle a dash of nutmeg over the top. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
7
At this point, you can either bake it immediately or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. If refrigerated, allow it to reach room temperature before baking.
8
Bake the covered pan in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Afterwards, uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is puffed and golden brown, and the center is set.
9
Serve warm with drizzles of blueberry syrup and a generous dollop of Cool Whip Lite on each serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Blueberry French Toast Bake.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include white bread, reduced-fat cream cheese, fresh blueberries, and eggs.
What bread is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of white bread cut into 1-inch pieces.
Can I use whole wheat bread?
Yes, you can use whole wheat or sourdough bread for added texture and flavor.
What type of cream cheese is used?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of reduced-fat cream cheese cut into small pieces.
Are there nuts in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans can be added as an optional ingredient.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 4 beaten eggs.
What liquid is used for the egg mixture?
The mixture uses 3/4 cup of fat-free half-and-half.
What extracts provide flavor?
One teaspoon of vanilla extract is used for flavoring.
Is there any citrus in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of grated orange zest.
Can I substitute the orange zest?
Yes, lemon zest is a suitable substitute for orange zest.
What spice is used?
A dash of nutmeg is used both in the mixture and sprinkled over the top.
What is the oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is needed?
An 8x8-inch baking dish is required.
How should the baking dish be prepared?
Spray the dish generously with nonstick cooking spray.
How do I prepare the bread?
The bread should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this is a make-ahead dish that can be prepared the night before.
How long can it be refrigerated?
It can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
What should I do if the dish was refrigerated?
If refrigerated, allow the dish to reach room temperature before putting it in the oven.
How long does it bake while covered?
Bake the covered pan in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
How long does it bake uncovered?
After the initial 25 minutes, uncover the pan and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 50 minutes.
How do I know the French toast bake is finished?
It is done when the top is puffed and golden brown and the center is set.
What syrup is recommended for serving?
Serve the warm bake with drizzles of blueberry syrup, specifically Maple-Blueberry Syrup.
What is the suggested topping?
A generous dollop of Cool Whip Lite is recommended for each serving.
Does this recipe contain added sugar?
The recipe aims to be a hit without added sugar by using the natural sweetness of syrup.
What categories does this recipe fall under?
The recipe tags include brunch, breakfast, and dessert.
How should I mix the ingredients?
Stir the bread, cheese, and berries gently, then fold in the egg mixture carefully to avoid breaking the blueberries.
Is the half-and-half fat-free?
Yes, the recipe specifies using fat-free half-and-half.
Is this recipe good for groups?
Yes, it is a perfect make-ahead dish for brunch gatherings or special occasions.