Imagine waking up to a heavenly aroma of sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible French toast that transforms your ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Lemon Blueberry French Toast Bake is not just a recipe—it's a morning miracle that will have your family racing to the breakfast table, eager to dive into a dish that combines the brightness of fresh blueberries, the zesty kick of lemon, and the rich, custardy goodness of perfectly soaked brioche bread. Prepare to elevate your breakfast game and create a memorable morning feast that feels like a warm, delicious hug on a plate!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your French toast bake will cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the French toast from sticking.
- Cut the brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. You can use a serrated knife for easier cutting. Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cubed brioche bread in the bowl. Gently fold the bread cubes into the mixture until they are evenly coated. Be careful not to break the bread too much.
- Add the fresh blueberries to the bread and egg mixture. Gently fold them in to distribute them throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press down lightly to ensure the bread is submerged in the egg mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture. If you have time, you can also refrigerate it for up to 2 hours or overnight for a deeper flavor.
- After soaking, remove the foil and place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes uncovered, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Once baked, remove the French toast bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Lemon Blueberry French Toast Bake!
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old brioche for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy, while slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture perfectly.
- Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let the bread soak in the egg mixture for at least 15 minutes, but overnight refrigeration can develop even deeper, more complex flavors.
- Blueberry Distribution: Gently fold blueberries to prevent crushing and ensure even spread throughout the dish.
- Prevent Burning: Cover with foil for the first part of baking to ensure even cooking and prevent the top from browning too quickly.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it perfect for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a crisp top, or enjoyed cold for a delightful next-day treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 140mg
