Hey y’all! Are you ready to wake up to a breakfast that feels like a warm hug? This Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast is your ticket to a delicious morning, whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch or a special occasion. Packed with zesty lemon and juicy blueberries, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Easy Prep: Assemble the night before and simply bake in the morning.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon and blueberry is irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings and brunch with friends.
- Customizable: Easily adjust to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead: Save time on busy mornings with this effortless dish.
Ingredients
- 10 slices of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Powdered sugar, for serving
Directions
Prepare the Bread
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange the bread cubes and sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the top.
Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
Assemble and Refrigerate
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and blueberries, pressing down lightly to ensure the bread soaks up the custard. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best absorption of custard. Read more about stale bread benefits.
- If fresh blueberries aren’t available, frozen ones work too but may add extra moisture.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to adapt the recipe.
- Vegan: Substitute eggs with a vegan egg replacer and use plant-based milk.
- Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy topping.
Required Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Storage Instructions
Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave until warm.
Suggested Pairings
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair with a fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
- Add a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving for an extra zing. Learn how to zest a lemon perfectly.
- Let the dish sit at room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Use a serrated knife for cutting the bread to maintain its texture.
FAQ
- Can I use other fruits? Yes, strawberries or raspberries make great alternatives.
- Do I need to cover it while baking? No, baking uncovered allows the top to crisp up nicely.
- How can I make it lighter? Use skim milk and reduce the amount of maple syrup.Find more healthy swaps.