This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a delicious way to start your morning! Imagine thick slices of bread soaking in a creamy blueberry mixture, ready to bake the next day.
The best part? You can make it ahead of time! I love waking up to this tasty treat, and the blueberries add a burst of flavor. Grab a fork and dig in—breakfast just got a whole lot easier!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick-cut bread like brioche or challah works best for this recipe due to its texture. If you need a substitute, try sourdough or stale bread for great results!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are key here, giving sweetness and flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen blueberries will work too—just add them without thawing.
Milk & Cream: I use whole milk and heavy cream for a rich custard, but you can lighten this by using 2% milk or even almond milk. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk is a great choice!
Eggs: This recipe calls for large eggs; however, you can use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) if you’re vegan!
How Do I Ensure My French Toast Is Extra Creamy?
The magic in Overnight Blueberry French Toast comes from the soaking process. Make sure your bread is cut into thick cubes to hold onto that delicious custard. Here’s how:
- Combine the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully mixed.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the layers of bread and blueberries. Press down gently to ensure all bread gets soaked.
- Don’t rush this step! Letting the bread soak overnight is crucial for achieving that creamy, custardy filling.
Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 10 cups (about 1 loaf) thick-cut bread, cut into cubes (such as brioche or challah)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries, plus extra for topping
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the dish)
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 6 hours to chill overnight. After letting it sit, you’ll need about 45-55 minutes to bake it. So, total time including preparation and cooking is a little over an hour, plus the chilled waiting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dish:
Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This prevents the French toast from sticking and makes for easier serving.
2. Layer the Bread and Blueberries:
Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle half of the fresh blueberries over the bread cubes. Repeat with the remaining bread and blueberries on top.
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is mixed well.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries in the dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes with your hands to help them soak up the liquid.
5. Add the Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread mixture to add richness.
6. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours. This allows the bread to absorb all that delicious custard.
7. Bake the French Toast:
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, remove the plastic wrap from the dish and bake the French toast for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and add a sprinkle of fresh blueberries on top for an extra touch. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful Overnight Blueberry French Toast!
Can I Use Stale Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Stale bread actually works great for French toast because it can absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. Just cut it into cubes and follow the recipe as usual.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can replace it with an equal amount of whole milk or a combination of milk and a bit of butter (2 tablespoons of butter added to 1/2 cup of milk will mimic heavy cream in texture).
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free bread in place of regular bread. Just be sure to check the ingredients to ensure it’s a good fit for your dietary needs!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through. Enjoy it for breakfast or as a sweet snack!