This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a simple, sweet breakfast that you can prepare the night before! It’s filled with juicy blueberries and creamy custard that makes every slice so tasty.
Just imagine waking up to a warm, fruity treat without any fuss. I love to add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top—it looks fancy, but it’s super easy to do!
The best part? You can enjoy it with maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt, making it a yummy start to the day. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah are perfect for this recipe because they soak up the custard well and give a soft texture. If you need a substitute, try a thick-cut white bread or even a gluten-free loaf!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are great, but frozen ones work just as well, especially if they’re out of season. Just don’t defrost them before using to make sure they stay plump and juicy!
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for the custard base. If you’re looking to reduce cholesterol, consider using egg substitutes or egg whites in a ratio of 1 egg to 1/4 cup of egg substitute.
Milk: Full-fat milk or half-and-half adds richness. If you’re lactose intolerant or want a lighter version, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be excellent alternatives.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try a vegan cream cheese or simply add more fruit!
How Can You Ensure Your French Toast Soaks Up Enough Custard?
The key to a custardy texture is letting the bread soak long enough. Make sure you press the bread down gently into the custard before refrigerating. This helps the mixture to fully absorb into the bread, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.
- Prepare the dish the night before to really let the flavors meld.
- Press the bread firmly into the custard so that each piece gets evenly coated.
- Cover tightly to prevent air from drying it out while soaking.
By taking these simple steps, you’ll achieve that soft, custardy texture that makes this French toast irresistible!
Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Ingredients:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small dollops (optional, for creaminess)
For Greasing:
- Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Overnight Blueberry French Toast requires approximately 20 minutes of prep time and then it needs to chill in the refrigerator overnight—at least 8 hours. The baking time is about 45-55 minutes, so you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious breakfast without much hassle in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This will help ensure that your French toast comes out perfectly!
2. Layer the Bread:
Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. This layer serves as the base for your delicious creation.
3. Add the Blueberries and Cream Cheese:
Next, scatter half of the blueberries and some of the cream cheese dollops evenly over the bread. The blueberries will add a burst of fruity flavor!
4. Finish the Layering:
Top off the bread with the remaining cubes and then add the rest of the blueberries and cream cheese dollops on top. This layering will create a beautiful combination of flavors.
5. Whisk the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well blended. This is what will make our French toast custardy and delicious!
6. Pour the Custard Over the Bread:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, blueberries, and cream cheese in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the pieces. Gently press down the bread to help it soak up the custard.
7. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Put it in the refrigerator overnight (or at least for 8 hours) to soak up all that yummy custard.
8. Preheat Your Oven:
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking!
9. Bake the French Toast:
Once preheated, remove the plastic wrap or foil and place the dish in the oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
10. Cool and Serve:
After baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if you’d like, and serve warm with maple syrup for a delightful breakfast.
Enjoy your warm, fluffy, and delicious Overnight Blueberry French Toast! It’s perfect for family gatherings or just a special treat during the week.
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah works best for their texture and sweetness, you can also use other breads like French bread, sourdough, or even a gluten-free option. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale for better absorption of the custard.
Can This Recipe Be Made Vegan?
Yes, you can make this French toast vegan! Substitute the eggs with a mixture of 1/4 cup of chickpea flour and 1/2 cup of water for each egg, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap out cream cheese for a vegan version or additional fruit.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other berries like raspberries or strawberries, or even sliced bananas. You can also add spices like nutmeg or a splash of orange juice to the custard for extra flavor. Get creative!
