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Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Bake - featured image

Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Swirl

  • Author: Lucia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

An impressive make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring brioche bread soaked in a lemony vanilla custard, swirled with tangy cream cheese, and topped with fresh blueberries and a cinnamon-sugar crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf Brioche or Challah bread (sliced, about 12–14 slices)
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • ¼ cup (60ml) real maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 8 oz (225g) full-fat block-style cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prep the bread: If fresh, slice bread and let sit out for 1-2 hours to dry, or toast at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until dry. Cut slices in half diagonally or keep whole.
  2. Arrange the bread in a 9×13 inch baking dish, overlapping slightly.
  3. Make the cream cheese swirl: In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the bread and gently swirl with a knife to create marbled ribbons.
  4. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and lemon zest until uniform.
  5. Assemble: Pour custard evenly over the bread and cream cheese. Press down gently to ensure absorption. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  6. Scatter fresh blueberries evenly over the top.
  7. Add topping: Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; sprinkle generously over the dish.
  8. Chill: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove dish from fridge and let sit on counter for 15 minutes.
  10. Bake for 45-50 minutes until top is deep golden brown and center is set. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  11. Rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Dust with extra powdered sugar.

Notes

Use stale or toasted bread to prevent sogginess. Ensure cream cheese is block-style and softened for smooth swirls. Let the bake rest after baking to allow it to set properly. Can be frozen unbaked for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 28
  • Sodium: 320
  • Fat: 24
  • Saturated Fat: 13
  • Carbohydrates: 52
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 12

Keywords: overnight french toast, blueberry lemon breakfast, cream cheese swirl, make ahead brunch, brioche casserole, holiday breakfast

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Find it online: https://mydinnerideas.com/overnight-blueberry-lemon-french-toast-bake-cream-cheese-swirl/