Blueberry Baked French Toast with Vanilla Glaze

Introduction

“There’s something about French toast that feels like a little celebration. Maybe it’s the soft, custardy bread soaked in vanilla and cinnamon or the way it bakes up golden with a deliciously crisp top. This blueberry baked French toast takes the classic to the next level by combining juicy blueberries and a drizzle of vanilla glaze. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make on repeat—perfect for a cozy brunch at home or when you’re hosting friends and family. And it’s surprisingly easy!”

Share a quick personal story, like how this dish became a weekend favorite in your household or how you discovered it on a trip and couldn’t wait to recreate it. Mention how it’s versatile enough to make ahead and is a great centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Just prep, bake, and drizzle—this baked French toast doesn’t require flipping each piece individually.
• Family-Friendly: Sweet, custardy bread, juicy blueberries, and that vanilla glaze—kids and adults alike will love it.
• Customizable: Use any berries you like, swap the bread type, or make it dairy-free with coconut milk.
• Perfect for Brunch: It’s a stress-free dish that looks impressive. Plus, you can assemble it the night before, then just pop it in the oven the next morning.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: Serves 6-8
• Calories: 350 per serving

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for French Toast:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 6 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk (any kind; almond or coconut for dairy-free)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Vanilla Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights:

• Brioche or Challah: These types of bread add richness and soak up the custard beautifully, giving a soft, fluffy texture.
• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen work, but fresh adds a burst of sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: For a rich, custardy texture in every bite.
• Vanilla Glaze: Adds a sweet finish that ties everything together with a hint of vanilla.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Assemble the Bread and Blueberries: Spread the cubed bread in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the top.
3. Prepare the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Pour the Custard: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and blueberries, making sure to cover all the bread pieces so they soak up the custard.
5. Let It Rest: Cover with foil and let sit for at least 20 minutes (or refrigerate overnight if prepping in advance). This allows the bread to absorb the custard.
6. Bake: Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake for another 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
7. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the milk for desired thickness.
8. Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm French toast, slice, and serve with extra blueberries, if desired.

Cooking Tips:

• Overnight Option: For maximum flavor and ease, assemble the dish the night before and bake it in the morning.
• Bread Tips: Use slightly stale bread for the best texture—it holds up well to the custard and becomes beautifully soft but not mushy.
• Blueberry Swaps: Try strawberries, raspberries, or a berry mix for added variety.

How to Serve

• Toppings: Serve with extra blueberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pairings: Fresh fruit salad, crispy turkey bacon, or scrambled eggs make for a hearty brunch spread.
• For a Crowd: This dish works great for gatherings—double the recipe and bake in a larger dish.

Additional Tips

1. Use Stale Bread: Stale or day-old bread soaks up the custard better and creates a firmer, non-soggy texture.
2. Substitutes: Dairy-free? Use almond or coconut milk and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
3. Avoid Overmixing the Glaze: Whisk just until smooth to prevent bubbles and keep a glossy finish.
4. Make It Ahead: As mentioned, this dish is perfect for overnight preparation—just pop it in the oven the next day.
5. Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different, so start checking around 35 minutes to prevent the top from over-browning.

Recipe Variations

• Berry Mix-Up: Replace the blueberries with strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries—or a blend!
• Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the custard for extra crunch.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the milk and cream with almond or coconut milk, and make sure the glaze uses a plant-based milk.
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar over the top before baking for a hint of caramelized sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete brunch, pair this baked French toast with:

• Turkey Bacon: Lightly crispy and a great savory balance to the sweet flavors.
• Scrambled Eggs: A classic brunch addition, cooked with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh, colorful mix of seasonal fruit is a nice balance to the richness of the baked French toast.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

Freezing: To freeze, let the baked French toast cool completely. Slice into portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven.

Special Equipment

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for this recipe.
• Whisk: For smooth custard and glaze preparation.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for mixing the custard ingredients easily.

FAQ Section

Can I make this with gluten-free bread?
Yes! Just make sure it’s a type of bread that will hold up well to soaking, like a sturdy gluten-free baguette or brioche.

What if I don’t have blueberries?
No problem! Any berries or even thinly sliced apples will work just fine.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Then just bake in the morning.

What if my glaze is too thick?
Add milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the bread mixture. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom and keeps your French toast evenly packed with blueberry goodness. You may also want to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if using frozen berries.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Substitute almond milk, oat milk, or your favorite dairy-free milk for the regular milk and cream. For the glaze, you can use a plant-based milk as well. Instead of butter, try using coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a similar rich texture.

Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes! This French toast casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Simply follow the recipe up to the point where you cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven as directed (it may need an extra 5–10 minutes of baking time since it will be cold from the fridge). This makes it perfect for a no-fuss breakfast or brunch when you want more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.

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Conclusion

“And there you have it—a cozy, comforting blueberry baked French toast that’s just waiting to make your morning extra special. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a special gathering, this recipe brings the best flavors of brunch right to your table. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine! If you try it, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me—I’d love to see your creation.”

And there you have it—Blueberry Baked French Toast with Vanilla Glaze, a dish that brings a little extra joy to any morning. It’s got all the right notes: a rich, custardy center, a golden, crisp top, bursts of fresh blueberries, and that irresistible vanilla glaze drizzled over it all. Whether you’re enjoying it with family over a cozy brunch or preparing it ahead for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a staple. It’s easy to make but feels like such a treat!

So next time you’re craving a warm, comforting breakfast that’s just a bit more special, give this baked French toast a try. And if you do, don’t forget to share your creation—I’d love to hear how it turned out! Happy baking, and here’s to many delicious mornings ahead!