For my daughter's 6th birthday, I wanted to make something extra special to kick off her big day. After a bit of brainstorming, I decided on a Blueberry French Toast Bake, and let me tell you—it was a hit! My daughter was absolutely in love with it, and my husband devoured every last bite. It’s rare that a recipe gets such unanimous praise in my household, but this one was deemed one of the best I've ever made.

The rich, creamy custard soaked into the bread, the burst of juicy blueberries, and the buttery, golden top made this breakfast a celebration in itself.

If you're looking for a dish that’s easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this is the one.

Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Blueberry French Toast Bake:

• Bread: I used 11 slices of bread, including the ends. Any type of bread will work, but a sturdy loaf like French bread or brioche will hold up best. The slightly stale bread is even better as it soaks up the custard mixture perfectly.

• Fresh Blueberries: You’ll need about 1 cup of fresh blueberries. They add a burst of flavor and sweetness in every bite. If blueberries aren't in season, frozen ones (thawed and drained) will work too.

• Eggs: 5 large eggs are the base of the custard mixture, giving the dish its rich, creamy texture.

• Heavy Cream: To make this bake extra indulgent, you’ll need ¼ cup of heavy cream. It’s what gives the French toast its velvety, luscious consistency.

• Milk: 1 cup of milk helps to lighten the custard and makes sure the dish isn't too heavy. You can use whole milk or any milk you prefer.

• Sugar: A ¼ cup of sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.

• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and adds a lovely warmth to the dish.

• Cinnamon: A ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon gives the bake a cozy, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the blueberries.

• Salt: Just a pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

• Butter: Finally, 1 tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces, will be dotted on top before baking. This gives the French toast a golden, buttery crust.

Fun Facts About Blueberries:

1. High in Antioxidants: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and flavonoids, which help protect your body from free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

2. Brain Boosters: Studies suggest that eating blueberries regularly can improve brain function and delay cognitive decline, making them a great addition to your diet.

3. Heart Health: Consuming blueberries can help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, contributing to overall heart health.

4. Low in Calories, High in Nutrients: Despite being low in calories, blueberries are rich in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C, making them a nutrient-dense snack.

5. Year-Round Availability: While fresh blueberries are a summer fruit, they are available year-round thanks to global production and freezing. Frozen blueberries retain most of their nutrients and can be used in baking, just like fresh ones.

Fun Facts About French Toast:

1. French toast isn’t actually French! The earliest known reference to this dish dates back to the Roman Empire. It was called "pan dulcis" and made by soaking bread in milk and sometimes eggs, then frying it in oil or butter.

2. In France, French toast is known as "pain perdu," which means "lost bread," referring to the use of stale or day-old bread. In Spain, it’s called "torrijas," and in the UK, it's often referred to as "eggy bread."

3. The dish was originally a way to use up stale bread, which would otherwise be thrown away. By soaking it in an egg mixture and frying it, people could transform old bread into a delicious meal.

4. While French toast is most commonly enjoyed as a sweet dish, topped with fruits, syrup, or powdered sugar, it can also be made savory. Some variations include adding cheese, meats, or herbs to the egg mixture.

5. In the United States, National French Toast Day is celebrated on November 28th—a perfect excuse to enjoy this comforting dish.