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Blueberry French Toast Bake: A Sweet Morning Delight
Youssef Hb

Blueberry French Toast Bake: A Sweet Morning Delight

This custard-soaked French Toast Bake layers rustic bread with fresh or frozen blueberries and lemon-infused cinnamon. Perfect for a show-stopping breakfast or brunch, the overnight soak ensures maximum flavor, while baking creates a golden, pie-like finish. Serve with maple syrup for indulgence.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 12 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: North American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Rustic bread loaf (1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes (~10 cups)
  • Blueberries (1 ½–2 cups), frozen or fresh
  • Large eggs (5), at room temperature
  • Milk (2 cups), whole or 2 percent
  • Heavy cream (1 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon), natural
  • Sugar (8 tablespoons), adjust to 5–10 tablespoons depending on sweetness preference
  • Lemon zest (1 tablespoon), finely grated
  • Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
  • Unsmoked coconut oil (¼ cup) or unsalted butter (¼ cup), for greasing the dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
  2. Line a 9x13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper and grease with ¼ cup oil/butter
  3. Layer half the bread cubes evenly in the dish
  4. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, vanilla extract, 4 tablespoons sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon until fully incorporated
  5. Pour half the custard over the bread in the casserole and spread it evenly
  6. Sprinkle ¾ cup blueberries over the first custard layer
  7. Add another layer of bread, remaining custard, and the remaining ¾ cup blueberries
  8. Press the top gently to ensure the custard absorbs into the bread
  9. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight yields best results)
  10. Uncover and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and risen
  11. Cool slightly and serve warm, optionally drizzled with maple syrup or dusted with powdered sugar

Notes

Use day-old bread to avoid sogginess and ensure custard absorption
Frozen blueberries work best when not thawed—they maintain texture and vibrant color
For halal compliance, substitute buttermilk or unsalted butter with unsmoked coconut oil
Soy or almond milk work well for a dairy-free version while preserving custard richness
Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set before serving