1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Blueberry Lemon French Toast

Blueberry Lemon French Toast

Category: Start Your Day Deliciously

This dish layers cubed French bread with a luscious blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, folded with fresh blueberries and lemon juice. A custard of eggs, milk, warm spices, and bright lemon zest is poured over, soaking the bread thoroughly. After chilling overnight, it’s baked until golden with a tender, custardy inside and a subtly crisp top, offering a perfect balance of sweet berries and citrus brightness.

Save on Pinterest Share This Recipe Email This Recipe Print This Recipe Go Directly to Recipe
Breanna smiling at the camera.
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:48:05 GMT
A slice of blueberry lemon French toast. Save
A slice of blueberry lemon French toast. | foodiffy.com

Blueberry Lemon French Toast is the perfect weekend treat that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to pull off. It combines creamy tangy layers with fresh fruit and warm spices to wake up your taste buds on a lazy morning or special brunch. The overnight soak means it comes together ahead of time making mornings effortless.

I started making this after craving something different for brunch and it quickly became a family favorite we look forward to every weekend

Ingredients

  • Cream cheese: brings creamy richness and tang which contrasts beautifully with the sweet layers. Choose full fat for best texture
  • Powdered sugar: mixes smoothly adding sweetness without grittiness
  • Fresh blueberries: provide bursts of freshness and natural sweetness. Pick plump, firm berries for best flavor
  • Lemon zest and juice: add a bright citrus note that balances the creaminess. Use unwaxed lemons and zest just before mixing to keep it vibrant
  • French bread cubes: soak up the custard but hold structure if you use day-old bread
  • Eggs and milk: create the custard base. Whole milk and large eggs make a luscious custard
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg: add warm spice that complements the lemon and blueberry without overwhelming

Instructions

Build The Cream Cheese Layer:
In a bowl mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until completely smooth. Fold in 1 cup blueberries, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a touch of lemon zest to add fresh flavor to the creamy layer
Layer The Bread and Cream Cheese:
Grease a 10 by 14 inch dish. Place half the cubed French bread evenly in the bottom. Spread the cream cheese mixture gently over the bread. Add the remaining bread cubes on top to create the sandwich layer
Whisk The Custard:
In a separate bowl whisk together 2 cups milk, 8 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, remaining lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until fully combined. Pour this custard evenly over the layered bread
Add Final Blueberries and Chill:
Sprinkle the remaining blueberries across the top of the soaked bread for fresh bursts of fruit. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight to let the bread soak and flavors meld
Bake To Golden Perfection:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the dish covered with foil for 45 minutes allowing it to gently set. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is fully cooked through
A slice of blueberry lemon French toast.
A slice of blueberry lemon French toast. | foodiffy.com

This dish reminds me of Sunday mornings with my family where the aroma fills the house and celebrations start with cozy conversation

Storage Tips

Store leftover French toast covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to restore crisp edges and warm custard. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact

Ingredient Swaps

Cream cheese can be replaced with mascarpone for a slightly sweeter, more delicate tang. Use plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free option but expect a subtle texture difference. Use old-fashioned bread pudding bread if French bread unavailable but cubes may soak differently

Serving Ideas

Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of pure maple syrup or honey. Fresh lemon wedges on the side elevate the citrus notes. Pair with crisp bacon or sausage for a satisfying brunch balance

A slice of French toast with blueberries and lemon sauce.
A slice of French toast with blueberries and lemon sauce. | foodiffy.com

Enjoy this Blueberry Lemon French Toast for an effortlessly delicious weekend brunch that's sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What kind of bread works best?

Sourdough or classic French bread is ideal for absorbing the custard while holding its shape during baking.

→ Can I prepare this the day before baking?

Yes, chilling overnight helps the bread soak up flavors, resulting in a moister, more tender dish.

→ How do the lemon and blueberries affect the flavor?

The lemon adds a fresh brightness that balances the sweetness of the blueberries and cream cheese filling.

→ Is it important to cover the dish while baking?

Covering helps the custard cook gently and prevents the top from over-browning before the inside sets.

→ Can I substitute the cream cheese mixture?

Alternatives like mascarpone or ricotta can be used for a different creamy texture but may alter the flavor slightly.

Blueberry Lemon French Toast

Layers of rich cream cheese, fresh blueberries, and zesty lemon baked with cinnamon-spiced custard.

Preparation Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
75 mins
Overall Time
95 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Breakfast & Brunch

Cooking Difficulty: Suitable for Beginners

Cultural Origin: American

Portion Size: 8 Number of Servings (8 servings)

Dietary Options: Good for Vegetarians

Ingredients Required

→ Cream Cheese Mixture

01 227 grams cream cheese
02 120 grams powdered sugar
03 30 milliliters whole milk
04 15 milliliters vanilla extract
05 150 grams blueberries
06 15 milliliters lemon juice (approximately 1 tbsp)
07 Zest of 1 lemon

→ French Toast Base

08 2 loaves French bread, cubed
09 480 milliliters whole milk
10 8 large eggs
11 30 milliliters vanilla extract
12 5 grams ground cinnamon (1 tsp)
13 1 gram ground nutmeg (½ tsp)
14 Zest of 1 lemon
15 15 milliliters lemon juice (1 tbsp)
16 150 grams blueberries

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

In a bowl, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, 30 ml milk, vanilla extract, 150 g blueberries, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and harmonious.

Step 02

Spread half of the cubed French bread evenly within a greased 25x35 cm (10x14 inch) baking dish. Layer the cream cheese mixture atop this base.

Step 03

Distribute the remaining cubed French bread over the cream cheese layer to completely cover it.

Step 04

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, remaining vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully incorporated.

Step 05

Pour the egg mixture thoroughly over the layered bread. Sprinkle the remaining blueberries evenly on top.

Step 06

Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow full absorption of flavors.

Step 07

Preheat oven to 190°C. Bake the dish covered for 45 minutes until set and slightly puffed.

Step 08

Remove foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Chilling the assembled dish overnight intensifies flavor melding and ensures a creamy texture upon baking.

Necessary Equipment

  • Greased 25x35 cm baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Oven

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy and eggs
  • Contains gluten (bread)