This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a breakfast dream! It’s easy to make the night before, soaking up creamy goodness and bursting with juicy blueberries.
Who wouldn’t love waking up to the smell of fresh baked toast? I like to sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a sweet finish and serve it with maple syrup. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah is perfect for this dish because they soak up the custard wonderfully. If you can’t find these, try using a thick sliced white bread or even whole grain for a healthier option.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal, but you can substitute frozen ones if needed. Just toss them in the batter without thawing to avoid excess moisture. I love using a mix of berries for added flavor!
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich custard, but you could use any milk you prefer, including almond or oat milk. If you’re feeling indulgent, swap out some milk for cream for extra creaminess!
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding the ingredients. If you need an egg-free version, try using a combination of flaxseed meal and water or a commercial egg replacer.
How Do I Ensure My Overnight French Toast Turns Out Perfectly?
Preparing Overnight French Toast involves a few key techniques to get it just right. The goal is to have the bread absorb the custard without being soggy. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with stale or day-old bread. It soaks up the custard better.
- Make sure to press the bread gently after adding the custard mixture so it’s well soaked.
- Chill overnight so the flavors meld and the bread absorbs more liquid.
- Let it come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different! Aim for a golden top with a slightly soft center.
These steps help create that delightful texture and flavor balance in your Overnight Blueberry French Toast!
Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1.5-inch cubes (about 6-7 cups)
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for topping)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or cream for richer custard)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing and finishing)
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Whipped cream or mascarpone, for serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and then it chills overnight. You’ll spend around 45-55 minutes baking it the next morning. In total, you’ll need roughly 8-9 hours (including overnight chilling). But don’t worry—most of that time is hands-off!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dish:
Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. This will be the cozy home for your delicious French toast!
2. Assemble the Bread:
Evenly place the cubed bread into the baking dish, creating a nice, even layer. This is the base of your French toast and will soak up all that wonderful custard.
3. Add the Blueberries:
Now sprinkle those fresh blueberries over the bread cubes. Make sure to scatter them well, so every bite is bursting with blueberry goodness!
4. Whisk the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until everything is well mixed. This custard is what makes the bread creamy and delicious!
5. Combine with Bread:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Gently press the bread down with a fork to help it soak up all that tasty custard. You want every bit of bread to soak up the goodness.
6. Chill Overnight:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This long soak is what makes the French toast so rich and flavorful!
7. Preheat and Prepare:
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
8. Bake It Up:
Dot the top of the casserole with small pieces of butter for a lovely golden finish. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. To test, insert a knife in the center—it should come out clean!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the French toast cool slightly before serving. Top with extra fresh blueberries, a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone, and dust with powdered sugar. Don’t forget to drizzle with maple syrup if you like—a true breakfast treat!
Enjoy your luscious, fruity breakfast that’s bursting with fresh blueberry flavor and perfectly tender custard-soaked bread!
Can I Use Frozen Blueberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen blueberries if they’re what you have on hand. Just toss them in frozen without thawing to avoid excess moisture in the dish. They’ll still add delicious flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftover French Toast?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through—add a splash of milk if it looks a bit dry!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Use a gluten-free bread option—many grocery stores carry gluten-free brioche or challah. Just be sure to check the bread’s structure as some may not hold together as well.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Get creative with your toppings! Besides whipped cream and powdered sugar, you can add nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a fruit compote for a delicious twist. Enjoy experimenting!