Lemon Blueberry French Toast Bake

Food & Drink

Jul 5

This Lemon Blueberry French Toast Bake transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary experience, combining the comfort of classic French toast with the bright, fresh flavors of lemon and juicy blueberries.

Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or when you're hosting overnight guests, this make-ahead recipe lets you prep the night before and simply pop it in the oven when you're ready. The result? Golden, custardy perfection with bursts of sweet-tart blueberries in every bite.

Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble everything the night before and let the bread soak up all those incredible flavors while you sleep.

Crowd-Pleaser: Serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for feeding a family or entertaining guests.

Balanced Flavors: The bright lemon zest cuts through the richness, while blueberries add natural sweetness and beautiful color.

Foolproof Results: No flipping individual slices or standing over a hot skillet – just bake and serve!

Ingredients

For the French Toast Base:

1 large loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 large eggs
2 ½ cups half and half
½ cup pure cane sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
juice of two lemons
zest of two lemons
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pint fresh blueberries
turbinado sugar
2 tablespoons butter, for buttering dish

For Serving:

Maple syrup
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. If making ahead, this is also a good time to line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cut your brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart. Arrange the bread cubes in your prepared baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be completely smooth with no streaks of egg visible.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure to get into all the corners. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Sprinkle the fresh blueberries evenly over the top, then sprinkle with turbinado.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and develops better flavor.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
Let the French toast bake cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up properly. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon slices.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Choose the Right Bread: Brioche and challah are ideal because they're rich and sturdy enough to absorb the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread works even better than fresh.

Don't Skip the Chill Time: While you can bake this immediately, letting it rest in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and ensures even absorption.

Check for Doneness: The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle when you shake the pan gently. It will continue cooking from residual heat.

Customize Your Berries: While blueberries are classic, try raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of your favorites.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This French toast bake is perfect for meal prep! Assemble completely up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Leftover portions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven. For longer storage, wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations to Try

Lemon Cream Cheese Swirl: Dot with small spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese mixed with lemon zest before baking.

Mixed Berry: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Orange Blueberry: Substitute orange juice and zest for the lemon for a different citrus twist.

Almond Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and sprinkle with sliced almonds.

The Perfect Brunch Centerpiece

This Lemon Blueberry French Toast Bake isn't just breakfast – it's an experience. The combination of creamy, custardy interior with the bright pop of lemon and sweet blueberries creates a dish that's both comforting and elegant. Whether you're hosting a special occasion brunch or just want to make an ordinary weekend feel special, this recipe delivers every time.

Serve alongside crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, and your favorite coffee or mimosas for the ultimate brunch spread. Your guests will be asking for the recipe before they've finished their first bite!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 2+ hours | Bake Time: 50 minutes | Serves: 8-10