Name: Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 12 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast treat that feels both indulgent and refreshingly bright, the Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast is an absolute game-changer. This dish combines the tender, custardy texture of soaked French bread with bursts of juicy blueberries and a lively hint of lemon zest, all baked to golden perfection. It’s simple to prepare the night before, making your morning stress-free and filled with the aroma of warm, comforting citrus and berries that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in balancing the flavors and creating that perfect custardy French toast texture you’ll love. From the creamy richness of heavy cream to the zing of fresh lemon zest, here’s everything that brings this dish together.

French bread: Use a sturdy loaf with a firm crumb to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Fresh blueberries: Juicy bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color that contrast beautifully with the lemon.
Large eggs: The foundation of the custard, providing structure and richness.
Milk: Adds creaminess while keeping the custard light and smooth.
Heavy cream: Boosts richness and helps the French toast set with a tender texture.
Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
Lemon zest: Delivers a fresh, aromatic brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, comforting note.

How to Make Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Blueberries

Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cut your French bread into cubes and spread them evenly in the dish. Then, sprinkle your fresh blueberries on top, letting their natural juices mingle with the bread pieces. This layering sets up a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors once baked.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This mixture is the magic behind the custard texture that makes Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast so irresistibly soft and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine and Refrigerate Overnight

Pour the custard evenly over the bread and blueberries, making sure each piece has a chance to soak up the mixture. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This slow soak allows the flavors to meld deeply, giving you that incredible rich texture and taste.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Bake the dish uncovered for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You’ll want to see a slight puff and then a gentle settling — that’s your cue it’s perfectly done.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the French toast cool for a few minutes out of the oven to let everything set just right. This resting time also helps you avoid burning your mouth while still serving it hot and fresh. Now, it’s ready for the final touches and your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast

Garnishes

Fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar are classic, but don’t hesitate to add a few lemon slices or a dollop of whipped cream for some extra pizzazz. A drizzle of pure maple syrup ties everything together with sweetness and moisture.

Side Dishes

The brightness of this dish pairs incredibly well with crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for a savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a light green smoothie can add even more freshness to your morning spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch gathering, serve your Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast in individual ramekins with a small garnish of mint leaves on top. You can also dust the entire baking dish with a cinnamon-sugar blend before baking for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen even more, making a great next-day breakfast or snack.

Freezing

To keep Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast longer, freeze it in airtight containers or wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap. It should freeze well for up to 2 months without loss of flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Frozen blueberries work well, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before sprinkling over the bread to avoid soggy results.

Is it okay to use bread other than French bread?

Yes, but choose a dense bread like brioche or challah for the best custardy texture. Avoid soft sandwich bread since it may become too mushy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, but the texture and richness might be slightly different.

Do I have to soak the bread overnight?

Overnight soaking allows the custard to fully absorb into the bread, resulting in a better texture and more developed flavor. If short on time, soak for at least a couple of hours, but overnight is ideal.

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Definitely! Raspberries, blackberries, or sliced peaches all pair wonderfully with the lemon and enhance the fruity profile of this dish.

Final Thoughts

Making Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast is like gifting yourself a delicious breakfast surprise every morning. Its effortless preparation combined with the bright and cozy flavors make it a true standout for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your brunch rotation — I promise you won’t regret it!

Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 12 hours (including overnight soak)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast casserole. Cubes of French bread are soaked overnight in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, cream, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla, then baked with fresh blueberries for a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors. Ideal for stress-free mornings, this dish offers a luscious, golden crust with bursts of juicy blueberry and refreshing lemon in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
1 cup fresh blueberries

Custard Mixture

6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking, then evenly spread the cubed French bread across the bottom.
Add blueberries: Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the bread cubes to distribute the fruit throughout the dish.
Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully blended and smooth.
Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, making sure every piece is well soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Bake the French toast casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown, the custard is set, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enhance with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired for extra sweetness.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale French bread to better absorb the custard.
Fresh or frozen blueberries both work, but if using frozen, do not thaw before adding.
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk and use a suitable egg replacement.
This recipe can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.
Optional toppings include whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of honey for added texture and flavor.
Ensure the bread cubes are evenly coated and soaked for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking, Soaking
Cuisine: American