Blueberry Overnight French Toast Bake Recipe

This Blueberry Overnight French Toast Bake is an absolute gem because it combines the cozy comfort of French toast with the burst of freshness from the blueberries, making breakfast feel like a delightful morning hug. Plus, preparing it the night before means I can enjoy a leisurely morning with a delicious, stress-free breakfast that practically cooks itself!

The glorious smell of my Blueberry Overnight French Toast Bake wafts through the house when it’s cooking. I can’t think of a more delicious way to wake up.

But the good news doesn’t end there. The equally good news is that this recipe is as simple as it is wonderful.

And I bet you already have most of the ingredients on hand.

Ingredients

French Bread:
Rich in carbohydrates, optimal texture for soaking an egg mixture.

Eggs:
The dish is made rich by the high protein content.

Milk:
Yields a richness, a source of calcium and vitamin D.

Granulated Sugar:
Makes baked goods sweeter, enhances the flavor of blueberries.

Fresh Blueberries:
They’re high in antioxidants and add a refreshing tartness.

Cinnamon:
Provides a flavorful, warm, spicy taste; accelerates metabolism.

Brown Sugar:
Adds a sweet depth to the topping, giving it a caramelized flavor.

Butter:
Enhances richness, creates a crisp topping.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it, and then lay the cubed French bread evenly in the dish.

2. In a big basin, combine the eggs, milk, white sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until they are well mixed.

3. Evenly distribute the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making certain that every piece is well covered.

4. Evenly arrange the newly picked blueberries across the top of the bread cubes that have been soaked in a custard mixture.

5. Make sure the plastic wrap or foil is secure so that no air can get into the dish; otherwise, a skin might form if it is in the refrigerator long enough. Heat the oven to 350°F when ready to bake.

6. When prepared to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

7. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar and cold butter, cutting the butter into the sugar until small, crumbly pieces form.

8. Evenly distribute the mixture of brown sugar and butter over the bread and blueberries.

9. Preheat oven; bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Top should be golden brown and center should be set.

10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Savor the flavors of your incredible Blueberry Overnight French Toast Bake!

Equipment Needed

1. 9×13 inch baking dish
2. Grease or cooking spray
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Whisk or fork
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Plastic wrap or foil
8. Oven
9. Knife
10. Cutting board
11. Small mixing bowl
12. Pastry cutter or fork (for cutting butter into sugar)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?Indeed, you may utilize challah, brioche, or any robust bread that will stand up to soaking well.
• Can frozen blueberries be used instead of fresh?Using frozen blueberries is fine. Be sure to thaw them first and drain any extra liquid off before putting them into the mix.
• How long can I refrigerate the mixture before baking?For the best results, refrigerate it overnight or up to 24 hours.
• What is the best way to reheat the French toast bake?Warm in the oven to an even temperature of 350°F, or 175°C, and maintain that temperature until the food item in question reaches the desired level of warmth. This generally takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
• Can I add other fruits to this recipe?Certainly! Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even bananas would be delectable enhancements.
• What is the purpose of the brown sugar and butter topping?The topping, which consists of brown sugar and butter, is what gives the dish its texture and sweetness.
• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?Indeed, replace the milk with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

Substitutions and Variations

1 loaf of sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Substitute for the regular milk: 2 cups almond milk or oat milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg as a substitute for ground cinnamon
If fresh blueberries are unavailable, use 2 cups of frozen blueberries.

Pro Tips

1. For added flavor, try using a combination of vanilla and almond extracts instead of just vanilla. Almond extract will enhance the overall taste with a subtle nutty note.

2. To ensure the bread absorbs the custard mixture thoroughly, let it soak overnight in the refrigerator. This will result in a richer, more flavorful texture.

3. If you prefer a crunchier topping, add some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the brown sugar and butter mixture before sprinkling it over the bread.

4. For an extra burst of flavor and color, consider adding a mix of berries, such as raspberries or sliced strawberries, along with the blueberries.

5. To prevent the bread from becoming too soggy, use day-old or slightly stale French bread as it will hold its shape better when soaked in the custard mixture.