Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with juicy blueberries and creamy, dreamy cream cheese. I love how simple it is to whip up—seriously, it’s a breeze! Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes; it’s enough to make anyone’s morning feel special. The combination of flavors is just delightful; the sweet blueberries play so beautifully with the richness of the cream cheese. Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings or just a cozy weekend brunch at home. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to recipe for those busy mornings or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without all the fuss. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 cups bread cubes (preferably stale for better texture)
How to Prepare the Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this fabulous Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot for that perfect bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, start by beating the softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or just a good ol’ whisk—whatever gets the job done!
- Next, add in the milk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a nice, even texture here, so take your time!
- Now it’s time to fold in the bread cubes and those luscious blueberries. Gently mix them in so the bread gets coated in that creamy goodness without smashing the berries.
- Grab a greased baking dish (I love using a 9×13 inch dish for this) and pour the creamy mixture right in. Spread it out evenly, then pop it into your preheated oven.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s set and the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
- Once it’s done, let it cool slightly before serving. This little cooling time helps the bake firm up just a bit more, making it easier to slice and serve.
And there you have it! You’re on your way to enjoying a warm, delicious slice of breakfast bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy mornings or relaxed weekends!
- The combination of creamy cream cheese and sweet blueberries creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- It’s a one-dish wonder, meaning less cleanup for you!
- This breakfast bake is super versatile; feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or even add a sprinkle of nuts for some crunch!
- It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for brunch gatherings or meal prep.
- Each slice is like a cozy hug, satisfying and comforting, sure to please everyone at the table.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips for you! First, opt for stale bread if you can—day-old bread soaks up the mixture beautifully, giving you that delightful texture. If your bread is fresh, just let it sit out for a bit to dry out a little. Also, don’t rush the baking time; every oven is different! Start checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark, but it might need a full 50 minutes to really set up nicely. You want the edges to be golden and the center to look firm, not wobbly. Finally, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing; this little tip helps everything hold together better. Trust me, these small tweaks make a big difference!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake! Try swapping out the blueberries for sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even chopped peaches for a fruity twist. You could also throw in some chocolate chips for a decadent touch or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a zesty kick. Want to add some crunch? Toss in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries! To store your Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze portions! Just slice it up, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or pop a larger piece back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Just keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Enjoy your delicious breakfast bake all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
This breakfast bake is a satisfying way to start your day, combining creaminess and sweetness while still being a bit indulgent. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well in this Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake. Just make sure to thaw and drain them slightly before adding to the mixture to avoid excess moisture. They’ll still give you that burst of flavor and beautiful color!
Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before! Just follow the instructions up to pouring the mixture into the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
I recommend using a hearty bread like challah, brioche, or even whole grain for added texture. Stale bread is best as it absorbs the egg mixture beautifully, but if you only have fresh, let it sit out for a bit to dry out before using.
Can I add other ingredients to the bake?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts for crunch, or try adding a splash of almond extract for extra flavor. You can even layer in some cream cheese dollops for added creaminess throughout the bake!
How do I know when the breakfast bake is done?
The bake is ready when the edges are golden brown and the center feels firm, not jiggly. You can also insert a toothpick in the middle; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Let it cool slightly before slicing for the best results!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake: 5 Ingredients of Joy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy breakfast bake featuring blueberries and cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 4 cups bread cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon; mix well.
- Fold in the bread cubes and blueberries.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- You can substitute other berries if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake