This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a sweet morning treat that easily comes together the night before. Fresh blueberries and soft bread soak in a rich egg mixture for a yummy start!
I love waking up to this dish because all the hard work is done in advance. Just pop it in the oven, and soon the sweet smell fills the kitchen—it’s like a cozy hug on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche Bread: This sweet, buttery bread is perfect for French toast. However, if you can’t find brioche, challah or even a hearty white bread will work well. Just make sure the bread is thick to soak up the egg mixture.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best for this recipe. If they aren’t in season, frozen blueberries are a good substitute. Use them straight from the freezer without thawing—just add a couple extra minutes to your baking time!
Eggs: Large eggs are the go-to here, but you could use egg substitutes if needed. Just check the package for equivalent amounts. This will adjust the texture slightly but shouldn’t affect the overall flavor much.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk gives richness, but you can use 2% or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For the cream, consider coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or even maple syrup if you want to get fancy!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My French Toast Is Perfectly Soaked?
Soaking the bread thoroughly is crucial to achieve that custardy texture. Here’s how to do it best:
- Use thick slices of bread to give structure. Thin slices might fall apart when soaking.
- Press down gently on the bread after pouring the egg mixture to help it absorb. Turn the slices over if possible.
- Let the dish rest in the fridge overnight for the best results. This gives the bread plenty of time to soak up the flavors.
By following these tips, you’ll have a wonderfully creamy and flavorful French toast that’s bursting with blueberries—perfect for any breakfast or brunch gathering! Enjoy!
Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The French Toast:
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into thick slices (about 10-12 slices)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for topping)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing and topping)
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Overnight Blueberry French Toast takes about 10 minutes of prep time and requires at least 6 hours to soak in the fridge overnight. Baking it will take an additional 45-50 minutes, making it easy to prepare for a cozy breakfast the next day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Baking Dish:
Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter. This will help prevent the French toast from sticking when it bakes.
2. Layering the Bread:
Arrange the thick brioche slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Once all the bread is in place, scatter the fresh blueberries evenly over the top, tucking some between the bread slices if you’d like!
3. Mixing the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined, and the sugar is dissolved.
4. Soaking the Bread:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries. Gently press down on the bread slices to ensure they soak thoroughly. It’s important that every piece gets some love!
5. Refrigerating Overnight:
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least for 6 hours). This allows the flavors to blend and the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
6. Baking the French Toast:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and dot the top of the soaked bread with small pieces of butter for extra flavor.
7. It’s Baking Time:
Bake the French toast uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until it is puffed and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Serving it Up:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the French toast warm, topped with extra fresh blueberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a good drizzle of maple syrup for that sweet finishing touch.
Enjoy this rich and custardy French toast with vibrant bursts of juicy blueberries—it’s the perfect comfort food for breakfast or brunch!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche gives a lovely sweetness and texture, you can use challah, French bread, or even a sturdy whole wheat bread. Just make sure whatever bread you choose is thick enough to hold the egg mixture without falling apart.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! This recipe is designed to be made the night before. Just follow the instructions and refrigerate it overnight. It’s perfect for busy mornings since the prep is done ahead of time!
How Do I Store Leftover French Toast?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or bake in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Blueberries?
Yes! You can use other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped strawberries. Just remember that the cooking time may vary slightly based on the moisture content of different fruits.