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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Keywords: overnight French toast, lemon blueberry French toast, breakfast casserole, easy French toast recipe, blueberry breakfast bake