Description

This Blueberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake is a creamy, custard-style baked dish layered with juicy blueberries and rich cream cheese. It combines the texture of a cheesecake, bread pudding, and breakfast casserole into one indulgent yet simple dish. Perfect for holiday brunch ideas, make-ahead breakfast recipes, or even a high-protein breakfast option, this dish balances sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.

The golden top with bubbling blueberries makes it visually stunning and ideal for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, preparing a Mother’s Day breakfast, or looking for an easy overnight breakfast casserole, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar (or monk fruit sweetener for low sugar option)

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for richer texture)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Fruit Layer:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, do not thaw)

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp cornstarch

Optional Topping:

• Extra blueberries

• Powdered sugar

• Maple syrup

• Whipped cream

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare Blueberry Mixture

In a bowl, gently toss blueberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 3: Make Cream Cheese Batter

In a large mixing bowl:

• Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

• Add sugar and mix until combined.

• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

• Stir in milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt.

The batter should be smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble

Pour half of the cream mixture into the baking dish.
Layer half the blueberries.
Repeat with remaining batter and berries.
Top with extra blueberries for a bakery-style finish.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
The top should be golden brown.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup.

Nutrition Highlights (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 320–380

• Protein: 8–10g

• Carbohydrates: 30–35g

• Healthy Fats: 20g

• Antioxidants from blueberries

For a low-carb breakfast casserole, substitute sugar with erythritol and use heavy cream.

Pro Tips for Best Results

✔ Use room-temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps.
✔ For a richer dessert-style version, add 1/2 cup sour cream.
✔ For a lighter healthy breakfast version, reduce sugar by 25%.
✔ Add lemon zest for bright flavor.
✔ Chill overnight for clean slices (great for meal prep breakfast ideas).

Variations

1. Keto Blueberry Cream Cheese Bake

• Use almond flour crust

• Replace sugar with keto sweetener

2. Mixed Berry Breakfast Casserole

Substitute blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries.

3. High-Protein Version

Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder to batter and reduce sugar slightly.

4. Overnight French Toast Style

Layer cubed brioche bread at the bottom for a hybrid French toast casserole recipe.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight container.

• Freeze up to 2 months.

• Reheat in microwave 30–45 seconds.

• Serve cold for cheesecake-like texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (High CPC SEO Optimized)

1. Is this a healthy breakfast recipe?

It can be! Reduce sugar and use Greek yogurt instead of some cream cheese for a balanced, high-protein breakfast option.

2. Can I make this as a make-ahead brunch recipe?

Yes. Prepare the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.

3. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but do not thaw them. Toss with cornstarch to prevent excess moisture.

4. Is this a dessert or breakfast casserole?

Both! It works as a baked cream cheese dessert or indulgent breakfast treat.

5. How do I prevent a soggy texture?

Use cornstarch with berries and avoid overmixing the batter.

6. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. This recipe is naturally gluten-free unless adding bread.

Perfect For:

• Holiday brunch ideas

• Easy family breakfast recipes

• Potluck brunch dishes

• Mother’s Day breakfast

• Christmas morning casserole

• High-end breakfast meal prep