Blueberry Breakfast French Toast Bake

Name: Blueberry Breakfast French Toast Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cubed; 2 cups fresh blueberries; 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; Butter for greasing the baking dish; Powdered sugar for serving (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Indulgence

I absolutely love starting my day with a delicious breakfast, and this Blueberry Breakfast French Toast Bake is a favorite in our household. It's a delightful combination of fluffy bread and juicy blueberries, all baked to perfection. Preparing it the night before allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the warm, comforting scent wafting through the kitchen in the morning is simply irresistible. This is a dish that not only pleases the palate but also looks gorgeous on a breakfast table, making it ideal for special occasions or lazy Sunday brunches.

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-02-16T10:31:36.657Z

I remember the first time I made this Blueberry Breakfast French Toast Bake for a brunch with friends. The excitement in the air was palpable as I pulled the dish out of the oven, golden brown and bubbly with a hint of vanilla. The burst of fresh blueberries mixed with the custardy bread creates a beautiful harmony of flavors. Taking the time to soak the bread overnight really enhances the texture and makes it melt in your mouth.

One tip to elevate this dish is to use day-old bread for the best results. The drier texture allows it to soak in the egg mixture easily, which helps prevent a soggy bake. This method not only maximizes flavor but also ensures that every bite is packed with deliciousness. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy blueberries that burst with flavor
Soft, custardy bread that soaks up the sweetness
Perfect for feeding a crowd or a cozy family breakfast

The Importance of Day-Old Bread

Using day-old French bread in this recipe is crucial for achieving the best texture. Fresh bread may become soggy and dense when soaked in the custard mixture, while stale bread has had time to dry out slightly, which allows it to absorb the custard without losing its structure. I recommend cutting the bread into cubes the night before and letting them sit uncovered for a few hours to further dry out, enhancing the absorption as well.

Additionally, the type of bread you choose can affect the flavor profile. A brioche or challah will impart a richer taste due to their higher egg and fat content. However, traditional French bread works beautifully, offering a classic crusty exterior and soft interior that pairs perfectly with the decadence of the custard.

Perfecting the Custard Mixture

The custard plays a vital role in giving the French toast bake its signature softness and rich flavor. Achieving the right balance between eggs and milk is essential: too few eggs can lead to a runny filling, while too many may create a dense texture. For this recipe, six large eggs combined with two cups of milk create a custard that is both creamy and firm. Take care not to whisk the mixture too vigorously; you want it well combined, not frothy, to avoid an airy, unstable custard.

Moreover, personalizing the flavor of your custard is easy! Swap out vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist, or add a hint of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for a spiced warmth. Each small adjustment can transform your dish into a unique breakfast experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serving this Blueberry Breakfast French Toast Bake with a side of maple syrup provides a classic touch, but you might explore other options as well. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt adds creaminess and complements the tartness of the blueberries. You can even introduce a variety of toppings like chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey to elevate the flavor combination.

For a fun twist, consider adding a touch of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to either the custard or the blueberry mixture before baking. This brightens the flavors and creates a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create this delicious breakfast bake.

Ingredients

1 loaf of day-old French bread, cubed
2 cups fresh blueberries
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Butter for greasing the baking dish
Powdered sugar for serving (optional)

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're well on your way to creating this delightful bake!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Blueberry Breakfast French Toast Bake.

Prepare the Bread

In a large bowl, combine the cubed French bread and blueberries. Gently toss them together and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Make the Custard

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.

Mix and Soak

Pour the custard mixture over the bread and blueberries, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the wrap and bake the dish for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve

Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy!

Now that you've completed the steps, it's time to enjoy your delicious breakfast creation!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This recipe is an excellent make-ahead option, especially for busy mornings. After you've assembled the bread and custard in the baking dish, store it in the refrigerator overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and the bread to soak up the custard more thoroughly, resulting in a richer, more decadent bake the next day. Just make sure to cover the dish well to prevent any absorption of refrigerator odors.

If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.

Scaling the Recipe

If you want to serve a larger group, it's simple to double or even triple the recipe. Just ensure you use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra ingredients. When scaling, keep an eye on the baking time; larger quantities might require an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven. To test for doneness, use a knife to check if it comes out clean from the center of the bake.

Conversely, if you need to scale down the recipe for a small gathering, consider making a half batch in an 8x8 inch baking dish. Just reduce the baking time slightly, keeping an eye on it after around 30 minutes to check for golden edges and firmness.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your French toast bake comes out too dry, it may have been in the oven a bit too long or not enough custard was absorbed. Ensure the bread is adequately soaked and consider checking for doneness a few minutes earlier next time. On the other hand, if the center remains too wet or custardy, you may need to bake a little longer, checking at 5-minute intervals until done.

For a more balanced blueberry distribution, try to mix the blueberries into the custard before pouring it over the bread. This ensures even berry distribution and prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the dish, allowing for delightful bursts of flavor in every bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding.

→ Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely! That's the best way to let the flavors meld together.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I reheat the French toast bake?

Yes, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.