This Overnight Blueberry French Toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence, combining the sweetness of ripe blueberries with the rich, custardy texture of perfectly soaked bread. With just 15 minutes of prep the night before, you’ll wake up to a dish that bakes into golden, caramelized perfection in under an hour. The burst of juicy berries, the hint of cinnamon, and the creamy custard create a symphony of flavors that feels both comforting and luxurious.
Perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, this recipe delivers a decadent yet balanced treat that’s as easy as it is impressive. The crispy edges, soft center, and vibrant blueberry swirls make every bite a delight, while the overnight prep ensures a stress-free morning. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s worth every minute of the 9-hour wait!
What You’ll Need for Overnight Blueberry French Toast
- French Toast:
- ▢ 12 slices Texas toast bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- ▢ 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (cut into small cubes)
- ▢ 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- ▢ 12 large eggs
- ▢ ⅓ cup maple syrup (or honey as a substitute)
- ▢ 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer flavor)
- Blueberry Syrup:
- ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar
- ▢ 1 cup water
- ▢ 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- ▢ 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
How to Make Overnight Blueberry French Toast
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer the Bread: Arrange half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Add Cream Cheese and Blueberries: Scatter the cream cheese cubes and 1 cup of blueberries over the bread layer. Top with the remaining bread cubes.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, and milk until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours).
- Bake the French Toast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered dish for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fluffy and set.
- Prepare the Blueberry Syrup: While the French toast bakes, combine sugar, water, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Add 1 cup of blueberries and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries burst and the syrup thickens.
- Serve: Slice the French toast into portions and drizzle generously with the warm blueberry syrup. Enjoy immediately!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While the homemade blueberry syrup is a star, you can elevate your Overnight Blueberry French Toast with other toppings. Try a drizzle of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. For a nutty twist, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of vanilla ice cream makes this dish a decadent dessert-for-breakfast option!
Make-Ahead Magic: Storage and Reheating Tips
This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead! Once baked, let the French toast cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. The blueberry syrup can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week—just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations to Try
Customize this dish to suit your taste! Swap blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries for a different fruity twist. If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, try ricotta or mascarpone for a creamy alternative. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and egg whites. You can even experiment with different breads like challah or brioche for a richer texture.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Mornings
To save time, prep the bread cubes and cream cheese the night before and store them in separate containers. You can also whisk the egg mixture ahead of time and keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge. In the morning, simply assemble and bake! If you’re short on time, skip the homemade syrup and use store-bought blueberry or maple syrup instead.
Essential Equipment for Success
For this recipe, you’ll need a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and aluminum foil to ensure even baking. A whisk is handy for mixing the egg and milk mixture, and a medium saucepan is perfect for making the blueberry syrup. If you don’t have Texas toast, a serrated knife will help you cube any thick-sliced bread easily.
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
French Toast
- 12 slices Texas toast bread cut into cubes
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese cut into cubes
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 12 large eggs
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 cups whole milk
Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange 1/2 of the bread cubes in the bottom of the pan.
- Spread cream cheese cubes and blueberries over the bread cubes.
- Top with remaining bread cubes.
- Mix together eggs, syrup, and milk. Pour over bread cubes and cover pan with foil. Let chill in refrigerator overnight.
- Bake covered with foil at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes or until fluffy and golden.
- For the syrup, mix together sugar, water, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened.
- Stir in blueberries and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve over french toast.