Description
Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a rich, comforting breakfast casserole that combines soft custardy bread, bursts of juicy blueberries, and a delicate hint of lemon and cinnamon. Prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning, it’s the perfect stress-free dish for brunch, holidays, or slow weekend mornings.
Introduction
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious baked French toast that feels special without being complicated. By soaking the bread overnight, the custard fully penetrates each slice, creating a creamy interior with a lightly crisp, golden top. The blueberries add freshness and balance, while lemon zest brightens every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It can be prepared entirely ahead of time, saving you effort in the morning. The texture is perfectly soft and creamy inside with a lightly crisp surface. The flavors are balanced, not overly sweet, and it’s ideal for feeding a group with minimal work.
Ingredients
French bread
1 loaf, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Large eggs
6
Whole milk
2 cups
Heavy cream
½ cup
Granulated sugar
¾ cup
Vanilla extract
1 tablespoon
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Lemon zest
Zest of 1 lemon
Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
2 cups
Icing sugar
For dusting, optional
Butter
For greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread slices in the dish in two rows, slightly overlapping if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and lemon zest until smooth and fully combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all pieces are well soaked. Scatter the blueberries over the top, gently pressing some between the slices so they distribute throughout the dish.
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard completely.
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Allow the French toast to cool slightly before serving. Dust with icing sugar if desired and serve warm.
Tips for Best Results
Use slightly stale bread for the best texture. If using frozen blueberries, add them directly without thawing. For a softer top, loosely cover with foil for the first 25 minutes of baking, then uncover to finish.
Variations
Add a crumble topping made from butter, brown sugar, and flour for extra texture. Substitute raspberries or strawberries for blueberries. Serve with maple syrup or a lemon glaze for extra sweetness.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a complete brunch.
FAQs
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes, you can replace it with additional whole milk, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, bake first, cool completely, then freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot.
Conclusion
Overnight Blueberry French Toast is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a reliable go-to recipe for special mornings or relaxed gatherings. Prepare it once, and it’s sure to become a breakfast favorite in your home.