Sometimes you just have to save your energy and not over complicate things, right!? Any party I host this month I will be ordering food if the guest list is over fifteen. I rather not overwhelm myself, not being able to enjoy an event because there is too much to do is something I attempt to elude. Just yesterday I held our Christmas party with the grandparents and it was such a success. The kids were running around giggling laughing, the adults enjoying mimosas and the host (myself) got to be a part of it all because we ordered food from a local Italian eatery. Then I picked up a luscious fruit topped cheesecake and mouse cake from Whole Foods Market, guest brought appetizers and cookies. Now later in the week when I’m prepping for other holiday parties to attend and food to make I will not be completely burnt out.

This year for Christmas morning I have planned to make this perfect Cinnamon Blueberry Baked French Toast. It’s going to make my life so much easier on this joyous morning since I will prep everything the night before, pop the bake in the oven while everyone is opening presents and come out looking like super woman. Maybe I’ll throw some bacon on the side, but I feel no pressure to, maybe I’ll just hang out with the family enjoying every simplistic moment.

The reason I’ve taken some of the work off my hands this year is my daughters first birthday. So following all of the Christmas madness I have quite the work cut out for me to prep everything for her birthday party. This baked french toast is the perfect breakfast to enjoy Christmas morning or quite frankly anytime. One of my toddlers most requested breakfasts. I love to use crusty stale classic baguettes for the perfect texture, but truly you can use any stale bread that you prefer. Customizing is always encouraged, if you love blackberries please add some, raspberries yup those are great too, or a combo of all the fruits. My favorite is of course this blueberry version with a burst of cinnamon flavor in each bite.

Cinnamon Blueberry Baked French Toast

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Author: Whisking Mama
Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
Yield: 12 1x

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Ingredients

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1 (about 12-14 ounce) classic baguette, sourdough bread, or challah(for softer bake)
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
8 large eggs
2 and 1/4 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
: Streusel Topping
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Toppings: extra blueberries, fresh fruit, maple syrup, and confectioners’ sugar

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Instructions

Generously grease a 9×13 pan with butter or spray with nonstick spray
Cut the bread into 1 inch cubes (when cutting the classic baguette if the ends are very hard slice off and omit)
Spread cubes into the prepared baking pan pressing down evenly into the pan and top evenly with blueberries, then set aside
In large bowl whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla together until no brown sugar lumps remain
Pour egg mixture over the bread and cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap
Refrigerator overnight
Preheat oven to 350°F
Prepare the topping:
Whisk the brown sugar, flour, salt and cinnamon together in a medium bowl
Cut in the cubed butter with a pastry blender or two forks
Sprinkle the topping over the soaked bread.
Bake about 50 minutes or until golden brown on top
Serve immediately with powder sugar and maple syrup
Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Extra tips: you can also make the topping ahead placing in small sealed container an top just before baking
*Using a classic baguette will make a crunchier bake which I prefer, if you prefer a softer bake use stale challah bread

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Category: Breakfast