This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a delicious way to start your day! Soft bread soaked in a sweet blueberry mixture makes for a warm and yummy breakfast that everyone will love.
I love making this the night before and waking up to the sweet smell of berries and cinnamon. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! You can even top it with a little syrup for extra sweetness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah give a beautiful richness. If you can’t find them, use French bread or even whole wheat. Each option will provide a different texture but will still work out nicely!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are perfect when in season, but frozen ones are an amazing alternative and are often more affordable. Just ensure you don’t thaw them first; they’ll be juicier while baking!
Heavy Cream: This adds a luscious texture, but if you’re looking to lighten it up, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk. It might not be as creamy, but it will still turn out delicious!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is main, but brown sugar can add deeper flavor. If you want to cut back on sugar, try using honey or maple syrup instead for a natural sweetness.
How Do You Get the Best Absorption for Overnight Soaking?
Getting your bread to soak up that delicious custard makes all the difference! Here are some tips to ensure it soaks evenly:
- Use stale bread if possible; it absorbs liquids better than fresh bread.
- After pouring the custard over the bread, press down gently with a spatula. This helps the bread absorb the mixture completely.
- Cover the dish tightly to prevent air from drying out the top, causing uneven soaking.
Letting it sit overnight is key; this allows the flavors to meld and taste even more scrumptious in the morning!
Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 8 cups cubed brioche or challah bread (about 1 loaf)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Garnishing:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll let it chill in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours. Baking takes an additional 45-50 minutes. So in total, plan for some time the night before and about an hour in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Bread and Berries:
Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of the blueberries over the bread. Then, layer the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the blueberries.
2. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until everything is well combined. This will create a rich, creamy custard.
3. Combine and Soak:
Now, pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and blueberries. Gently press down on the bread using a spatula to ensure each piece absorbs the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 6 hours to soak up all that goodness!
4. Bake:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take off the plastic wrap from the dish and place it in the oven. Bake it uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is all set.
5. Serve:
Once baked, let the French toast cool slightly before serving. Dust it with powdered sugar for a sweet touch and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Serve it warm and enjoy this lovely overnight blueberry French toast that’s perfect for any gathering or just a cozy morning at home!
Can I Use Other Berries Instead of Blueberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Just keep in mind that different berries may alter the overall flavor slightly, but they will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free bread to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like your milk and baking powder, are also gluten-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Overnight Blueberry French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven at a low temperature.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. This makes it a great make-ahead option!