Description
Overnight Lemon Blueberry FT recipe boosts brunch vibes with easy prep lemon zest blueberries make ahead bake serve warm crowdpleasing
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 slices thick brioche or challah bread — day-old is ideal for soaking; if fresh, toast lightly to dry out.
- 3 large eggs — the binding for a creamy, custard-y center.
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%) and 1/2 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free creamer) — richness without heaviness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar — a gentle sweetness that brightens with lemon.
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest + 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice — the lemony sparkle that defines this dish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — cozy warmth that ties everything together.
- Pinch of salt — balances sweetness and bright citrus.
- 1 cup fresh blueberries — burst of tart-sweet freshness; toss a few extra on top for serving.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted — for a lightly crisp edge and rich bake.
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) and maple syrup for serving.
Instructions
- Whisk the custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Prep the bread: If your bread feels a bit soft, toast slices lightly to help them hold the soak. Toss blueberries with a teaspoon of flour to help them stay suspended in the custard rather than sinking.
- Assemble the soak: Layer the bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, overlapping as needed. Pour the lemon custard over the bread, pressing gently so every slice drinks in the mixture. Scatter the blueberries between the slices.
- Soak overnight: Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours (or overnight). The bread will soak up the custard and plump with berry pockets.
- Bake: In the morning, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter over the top and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are golden and slightly crispy.
- Finish and serve: If you like a crisper top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely. Let rest 5–10 minutes, then slice and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with extra blueberries and warm maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
Keywords: Overnight Lemon Blueberry French Toast, lemon blueberry french toast, breakfast, brunch, make-ahead, brioche
