Irresistible Blueberry Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect way to brighten up a weekend brunch or treat your family to a comforting morning meal, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Casserole is the answer. Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of baked blueberries and sweet cream cheese mingling together, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting. It’s soft, custardy, and layered with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh blueberries, making every bite a delightful experience.

This recipe is inspired by classic American breakfast traditions, where fruit, cream cheese, and a touch of sweetness come together in a baked dish meant to bring people together. It’s perfect for family gatherings, casual brunches with friends, or even as a make-ahead breakfast to surprise your loved ones. The creamy texture paired with juicy blueberries creates a balance of flavors that feels both decadent and wholesome, making it a dish you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional for extra brightness)

• Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the baking dish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Prepare the bread layer. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.

3. Mix the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the cinnamon and salt, mixing until fully combined.

4. Layer the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the cubed bread, ensuring some of the mixture settles between the bread cubes.

5. Add blueberries. Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the top of the bread and cream cheese mixture. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before baking to prevent excess liquid.

6. Prepare the custard. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, and lemon zest (if using). Pour this mixture evenly over the bread, cream cheese, and blueberries, pressing lightly with a spatula to allow the liquid to soak into the bread.

7. Let it rest. Allow the casserole to sit for 10–15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard fully.

8. Bake. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

9. Cool slightly. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This will help it hold its shape when sliced.

10. Serve. Cut into squares and serve warm. Optionally, drizzle with a little maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Yield: 8–10 servings

Notes

• Bread choice matters: Day-old bread absorbs the custard better, preventing a soggy casserole. Brioche or challah will give a slightly sweeter, richer flavor.

• Blueberry alternatives: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but frozen ones work perfectly if fresh aren’t available. Avoid thawing frozen berries to reduce excess moisture.

• Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

• Extra flavor boost: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of almond extract for a subtle flavor twist.

• Storage: Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to restore warmth and creaminess.

Why This Blueberry Cream Cheese Casserole Stands Out

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Casserole isn’t just another baked breakfast; it’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and nostalgia to the table. Its beauty lies in its simplicity — just a few high-quality ingredients combine to create a luxurious texture and perfectly balanced flavor. Unlike traditional muffins or bread puddings, the cream cheese layer provides a rich, custardy experience that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

The vibrant pop of blueberries adds a natural sweetness and slight tartness that complements the creamy base. Each bite is a contrast of textures: soft bread cubes soaked in custard, smooth cream cheese, and juicy berries. This combination ensures your family or guests will come back for seconds.

Another reason this casserole works so well is its versatility. It’s easily adaptable for different seasons — swap blueberries for peaches in summer, or apples and cinnamon in fall. You can adjust sweetness levels, use different breads, or add flavorings like almond extract or lemon zest for subtle variations that keep this dish fresh and exciting.

The casserole is also incredibly easy to scale for any gathering. Whether serving a small family breakfast or a large brunch spread, this recipe holds up beautifully, making it ideal for entertaining. Plus, it’s a dish that can be prepped ahead of time, giving you more freedom to enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Finally, the dish has that homemade touch that resonates with every home cook. Its creamy texture, fresh fruit, and buttery bread create an inviting aroma that fills the kitchen, making it as much about the sensory experience as the flavor. This casserole is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a heartwarming way to create memories around the breakfast or brunch table.

Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole

• Choose the right baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish works best for even cooking, but you can use a smaller or larger dish — just adjust the baking time.

• Layering matters: Make sure the cream cheese mixture is well distributed among the bread cubes for consistency.

• Custard soak: Give the custard time to penetrate the bread for a moist, cohesive casserole.

• Check doneness: The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, and the custard has set but is still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.

• Experiment with toppings: Sprinkle additional blueberries or crushed nuts on top for added texture before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of berries instead of blueberries?
Absolutely! This casserole is extremely versatile and can easily accommodate other berries. Raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry combination can all be used to create a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. Keep in mind that berries like raspberries contain more water, which may make the casserole a bit more moist. To compensate, you can slightly reduce the milk or cream in the custard mixture. For a more balanced texture, consider gently patting the berries dry with a paper towel before adding them to the casserole.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, this dish can easily be made gluten-free. Use a gluten-free bread alternative that’s dense enough to soak up the custard without falling apart. Brands like gluten-free brioche or challah work wonderfully. Be sure that all other ingredients, including cream cheese and any flavorings, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. The texture might vary slightly compared to traditional bread, but it will still be creamy, custardy, and flavorful.

Can I use reduced-fat dairy?
You can, but there are some trade-offs. Using reduced-fat milk or cream cheese will result in a casserole that is slightly less rich and creamy than the original recipe. Full-fat dairy provides a more luxurious, custard-like texture that holds up well during baking. However, if you prefer a lighter version, reduced-fat ingredients still produce a tasty casserole with all the signature blueberry flavor.

Can I prepare this in advance?
Definitely! This casserole is ideal for make-ahead breakfasts or brunches. Assemble it the night before, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if necessary. This not only saves time in the morning but also allows the bread to absorb the custard more thoroughly, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! After baking and cooling, wrap individual portions or the whole casserole in foil and store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Freezing works well for meal prep or for storing leftovers.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend breakfast, hosting a brunch, or simply want to delight your family with a comforting homemade treat, this Blueberry Cream Cheese Casserole is sure to impress. Its creamy texture, sweet and tangy blueberries, and lightly spiced custard create a harmonious dish that’s both satisfying and shareable.

From the moment it comes out of the oven, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma, you’ll know this recipe is something special. Easy to make, adaptable to different tastes, and perfect for any occasion, this casserole is destined to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Serve it warm, watch it disappear, and enjoy the smiles around the table — that’s what makes baking so rewarding.

Try this Blueberry Cream Cheese Casserole today, and let it become your go-to recipe for effortless, delicious, and crowd-pleasing breakfasts and brunches.

Irresistible Blueberry Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6–8 1x

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Description

A warm, comforting breakfast casserole bursting with sweet blueberries and creamy layers of rich cream cheese. Perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or a make-ahead treat that fills the kitchen with a delightful aroma. Each bite combines soft, custardy bread cubes with juicy berries for a dish that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread)

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

• Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the baking dish

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

• Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.

• In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add cinnamon and salt, mixing well.

• Fold the cream cheese mixture into the cubed bread, allowing some to settle between cubes.

• Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the top.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, and lemon zest. Pour evenly over the bread mixture, pressing lightly to soak the bread.

• Let the casserole sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the custard.

• Bake for 45–55 minutes until the top is golden and custard is set.

• Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

• Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or powdered sugar.

Notes

• Use day-old bread for the best texture.

• Frozen blueberries work fine; do not thaw to avoid extra moisture.

• Assemble ahead of time for easy morning baking.

• Lemon zest or a splash of almond extract adds extra flavor.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes

Michelle Davis