Blackberry French Toast Bake A.K.A. Breakfast Bliss

April 15th, 2011

Blackberry French Toast Bake A.K.A. Breakfast Bliss

Who doesn’t love a warm and delicious breakfast? The best part about it is that you can prepare it the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is put it in the oven–great for those Sunday mornings you are busy getting ready for church.

This recipe uses Challah bread which absolutely delicious on its own. It’s a sweet bread and perfect for french toast. Challah is a traditional Jewish yeast bread served on the Sabbath, holidays, other ceremonial occasions and for everyday consumption. It’s rich with eggs and has a light, airy texture. Though it can be formed into many shapes, braided Challah is the most classic form.

**You can buy Challah bread in the bakery at Whole Foods, Market Street and Central Market. Or you can use a country-style french bread or italian bakery bread. (The soft french bread located near your grocery store checkout is not a good option for this.) croissants, cubed is another yummy alternative.**

Blackberry French Toast A.K.A. Breakfast Bliss

1 cup blackberry jam
1 loaf Challah bread, cubed (or Country-Style French Bread/Italian Bakery Bread)
1 8 oz package of cream cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
4 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup brown sugar

Cook the jam in a small saucepan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring until melted and smooth.

Place half of the bread cubes in a lightly greased 13×9 baking dish. Top with cream cheese cubes and drizzle with melted jam. Top with remaining bread cubes.

Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, cinnamon and vanilla. Pour over bread mixture. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Cover and chill 8-24 hours.