Overnight Blueberry French Toast Recipe

If you’re searching for a showstopping brunch that feels like a warm hug, Overnight Blueberry French Toast is the answer you didn’t know you needed. This dreamy breakfast casserole layers pillowy cubes of French bread with sweet, juicy blueberries, all soaked overnight in a rich custard scented with vanilla and cinnamon. Come morning, it bakes up golden and aromatic, ready to be crowned with a glossy homemade blueberry sauce. It’s easy enough for a cozy family breakfast, yet impressive enough for a special occasion — and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Overnight Blueberry French Toast recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create an irresistible combination of creamy, fruity, and comforting flavors. There’s nothing fancy here — just classic ingredients that come together for pure brunch magic!

• French bread (1 loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes): The sturdy texture soaks up the custard without turning mushy, giving the casserole its signature bite.
• Fresh or frozen blueberries (1 1/2 cups for the casserole, 1 cup for the sauce): Blueberries add juicy bursts of flavor and vibrant color; frozen work beautifully if fresh aren’t in season.
• Eggs (8 large): Eggs form the base of the custard, binding everything together and adding richness.
• Whole milk (2 1/4 cups): Gives the custard a creamy, tender texture — don’t skimp here!
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds a luxurious, silky mouthfeel to every bite.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup for the casserole, 1/2 cup for the sauce): Sweetens the bread and balances the tartness of the blueberries.
• Light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a hint of caramel flavor and deeper sweetness to the custard.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes that complement the fruit.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a cozy spice that ties everything together.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and keeps the dish from tasting flat.
• Water (1/2 cup, for the sauce): Helps dissolve the sugar and creates the base for the blueberry sauce.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water): Thickens the blueberry sauce until it’s luscious and glossy.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the sauce and balances its sweetness with a pop of citrus.

How to Make Overnight Blueberry French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Layer the Ingredients

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. Scatter half the bread cubes evenly in the dish, then sprinkle with half of the blueberries. Repeat with the remaining bread and blueberries, creating a beautiful, rustic mosaic that sets the stage for your custard.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This custard is the soul of your Overnight Blueberry French Toast, infusing every bite with flavor and richness.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Pour the luscious custard evenly over the layered bread and blueberries, making sure every cube gets a good soak. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your hands to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and set it in the fridge to chill overnight — or at least 8 hours. This slow soak is what gives the casserole its dreamy, pudding-like texture.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

In the morning, take the casserole out of the fridge while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop it in the oven uncovered and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until it’s puffed, golden, and set in the center. The aroma at this point is pure heaven — a hint of cinnamon and vanilla with sweet berries peeking through.

Step 5: Make the Blueberry Sauce

While the casserole bakes, whip up the easy blueberry sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, water, and sugar. Simmer until the berries start to burst, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Finish with a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. This sauce is the crowning glory of your Overnight Blueberry French Toast.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon generous helpings of warm blueberry sauce over each square of the casserole. Every bite is bursting with flavor — the perfect harmony of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy. It’s everything breakfast should be.

How to Serve Overnight Blueberry French Toast

Garnishes

Add a final flourish to your Overnight Blueberry French Toast with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scattering of fresh mint leaves. These little touches make each plate feel extra special and add visual appeal to your breakfast spread.

Side Dishes

This decadent casserole pairs beautifully with savory sides like crispy bacon, sausage links, or even a simple platter of scrambled eggs. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait to balance the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, cut the casserole into neat squares and serve on a big platter, drizzled with blueberry sauce and sprinkled with lemon zest. For a brunch buffet, offer small ramekins or mason jars layered with cubes of Overnight Blueberry French Toast and sauce for a fun, individual twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Overnight Blueberry French Toast (a rare occurrence!), simply cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick weekday breakfasts.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil, or place the entire cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for about a minute. Warm the blueberry sauce separately and spoon over just before serving for that freshly made taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Absolutely! While French bread gives the best texture, challah or brioche are delicious alternatives. Just make sure to use sturdy, day-old bread so it holds up to the custard soak.

Is it okay to use only frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work wonderfully in both the casserole and the sauce. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand, making this recipe doable year-round.

Can I make Overnight Blueberry French Toast dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) for the whole milk and cream, and use a dairy-free bread. The result will still be rich and satisfying.

What if I don’t have time to soak overnight?

If you’re short on time, let the assembled casserole soak for at least 2 hours in the fridge. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and custardy.

Can I prepare the blueberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The blueberry sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Overnight Blueberry French Toast enough — it’s the kind of recipe that makes mornings memorable and brings everyone to the table with a smile. Whether you’re serving a holiday crowd or just treating yourself, give it a try and discover your new favorite breakfast tradition!

Overnight Blueberry French Toast Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 9 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is a delicious and convenient make-ahead breakfast casserole combining cubes of French bread soaked in a rich custard with juicy blueberries, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with a homemade blueberry sauce, it’s perfect for a special brunch or cozy morning treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Casserole Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 8 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Blueberry Sauce

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish and sprinkle half of the blueberries over them. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top and scatter the remaining blueberries evenly.
2. Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread and blueberries in the baking dish. Press gently to ensure the bread soaks up the custard mixture.
3. Chill overnight: Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the custard to fully soak into the bread.
4. Bake the casserole: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven heats. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
5. Make the blueberry sauce: While the casserole bakes, combine blueberries, water, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the berries start to burst. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
6. Serve: Spoon the warm blueberry sauce over the baked French toast squares and serve immediately for a delightful breakfast experience.

Notes

• This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and baked directly from the refrigerator.
• Substitute blueberries with raspberries or chopped strawberries if preferred.
• For added texture and flavor, sprinkle streusel or chopped nuts on top before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 195mg