Baked Blueberry Lemon French Toast Recipe

Baked Blueberry Lemon French Toast is a delicious, indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for weekends, holidays, or special occasions. With a fluffy, custard-soaked base and a sweet, tangy blueberry-lemon topping, this dish is like a cross between French toast and a cobbler. It’s also easy to prepare in advance, making it a great choice for meal prepping or entertaining guests.

Baked Blueberry Lemon French Toast

Ingredients:

• For the French Toast:
  • 1 loaf of day-old brioche, challah, or French bread (about 8 cups of cubed bread)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or your preferred milk)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Blueberry Lemon Topping:
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker syrup)
• Optional Garnishes:
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Fresh mint or additional lemon zest
  • Extra maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Prep the French Toast:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
   • Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is not stale, toast the cubes lightly in the oven for about 5 minutes to help them hold up better when soaked in the egg mixture.
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt.
   • Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish and pour the egg mixture over the top, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid evenly. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight (this step allows the bread to soak up the custard).
2. Prepare the Blueberry Lemon Topping:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries start to release their juice and the mixture begins to bubble (about 5-7 minutes).
   • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the blueberry mixture. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Bake the French Toast:
   • After the bread has soaked for at least 30 minutes (or overnight), remove the baking dish from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the French toast for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
4. Serve:
   • Once the French toast is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Drizzle the warm blueberry lemon topping over the French toast. You can also dust it with powdered sugar or top with fresh mint or additional lemon zest for a finishing touch.

Tips and Variations:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the French toast the night before, allowing the bread to soak in the custard overnight. This makes it perfect for brunch gatherings, as you can simply bake it in the morning.
• Use Frozen Berries: If fresh blueberries are not in season, frozen berries work just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking the topping.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and use almond milk or another non-dairy milk. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
• Adding Nuts: For a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle some chopped pecans or almonds on top of the French toast before baking.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sweetener in the custard and topping to your taste. You can make it sweeter or more tart depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions:

• Brunch: Serve the baked French toast with a side of crispy bacon, sausage, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded brunch.
• Toppings: Add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, or even a drizzle of extra maple syrup for a decadent treat.
• Side Dishes: Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or citrus slices for a balanced and refreshing meal.

Baked Blueberry Lemon French Toast is a deliciously comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of a traditional French toast with the bright, fresh notes of blueberries and lemon. It’s a perfect way to elevate a breakfast or brunch gathering and will surely be a hit with family and friends!