This Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast is a fun and tasty breakfast treat! Soft bread soaked in a zesty lemon and blueberry mix, then baked to golden perfection—yummy!
I love waking up to the smell of this delicious dish. It’s so easy to prepare the night before, meaning I get to enjoy lazy mornings without missing out on flavor. 🍋💙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Challah or brioche adds a rich flavor and soft texture. If you can’t find these, use any soft bread like Texas toast or sourdough. I often mix different types for added texture.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries shine in this recipe, but if they aren’t in season, frozen blueberries work great too. Just be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
Heavy Cream: This gives a creamy texture, but you can replace it with half-and-half if you want something lighter. Personally, using a mix of cream and milk gives the perfect balance of richness.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemons are best for vibrant flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. The zest is key; it brings out the lemon’s essential oils, so don’t skip it!
Cinnamon: A classic addition, but you can try nutmeg for a different warm spice flavor. I sometimes add a pinch of cardamom, which complements the lemon nicely!
How Do I Ensure Perfect Custard Soaking?
Getting the bread to soak up the custard is crucial for a delicious French toast. Here are some tips to make sure every piece absorbs that creamy mixture:
- After pouring the egg mixture over the bread and blueberries, gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula.
- Ensure the custard is evenly distributed. Give it a few minutes to settle before covering it.
- Refrigerating overnight is really important! This allows the bread to absorb the liquid completely.
Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread (about 12-14 cups, cubed)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, if not available)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Butter or baking spray, for greasing the dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours (or ideally overnight) for soaking in the fridge. Then, it will bake for about 45-50 minutes in the morning. It’s a perfect make-ahead breakfast for a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dish:
Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or a baking spray. This will help prevent the French toast from sticking to the dish.
2. Layer the Bread and Blueberries:
Place the cubed challah or brioche bread evenly in the baking dish. Once that’s done, sprinkle the fresh blueberries generously over the bread. This adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor!
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes and blueberries. Make sure all the bread is soaked in the custard mixture. If needed, gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
5. Cover and Refrigerate:
Cover the baking dish thoroughly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can let it soak for a minimum of 4 hours, but overnight is best!
6. Preheat the Oven:
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking when you’re done soaking.
7. Bake:
Remove the cover from the baking dish and place it into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center feels firm when you gently shake it.
8. Serve:
Once it’s done baking, let it cool slightly. Then dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Serve your delicious Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast warm, alongside maple syrup or whipped cream if you like. Enjoy!
## FAQ Section for Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While challah and brioche are traditional choices due to their rich flavor and texture, you can also use sourdough, bagels, or even whole grain bread. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on your choice!
Can I Substitute Non-Dairy Milk?
Yes, you can definitely use non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk in place of whole milk. Just keep in mind that the creaminess may vary, so you might want to add an extra splash of non-dairy cream for richness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free bread option to make this dish gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the heavy cream and sugar, are gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different, but it’ll still be delicious!
