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Wake up to a bright, comforting, bakery-style breakfast with this Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole. Bursting with juicy blueberries, creamy vanilla filling, and a refreshing lemon twist, this make-ahead recipe transforms simple French bread into a soft, custardy, irresistible morning treat. Whether it’s for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or busy weekdays, this casserole delivers all the flavor with minimal morning effort.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Filling

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup blueberries
• Zest of 1 lemon + 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

French Toast Base

• 2 loaves French bread, cubed
• 2 cups milk
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon + 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup blueberries

Instructions

1. Prepare the Creamy Filling

1. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and half of the vanilla until smooth.
2. Fold in 1 cup blueberries, lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
3. The berries may burst slightly—this is normal and adds color and flavor.

2. Assemble the Casserole

1. Grease a 10×14-inch baking dish.
2. Add half the bread cubes to the dish.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread.
4. Add the remaining bread cubes on top.

3. Make the Custard

1. Whisk together milk, eggs, remaining vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
2. Slowly pour the custard over the bread layers, making sure everything gets soaked.
3. Scatter the remaining blueberries over the top.

4. Chill Overnight

• Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight for maximum absorption and flavor.

5. Bake the Casserole

1. Remove from fridge and let rest for 30–60 minutes at room temperature.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Bake 45 minutes covered, then 30 minutes uncovered until golden and set.
4. Cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips

• Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs custard best.
• Brioche or challah creates an extra-rich, bakery-level texture.
• Don’t skip resting — cold dishes can crack or cook unevenly in a hot oven.
• For a sweeter finish, top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or lemon glaze.

Why This Recipe Works

• Overnight prep means effortless mornings with maximum flavor.
• The cream cheese layer adds richness and balance to the lemony blueberries.
• Fresh and bright flavors keep the casserole from feeling too heavy.
• Perfect for crowds, holidays, and meal prep breakfast.

Substitutions & Variations

• Bread options: brioche, challah, Texas toast, or crusty artisan bread.
• Fruit swaps: raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries work beautifully.
• Dairy-free: use dairy-free cream cheese and almond or oat milk.
• Sugar-free: swap powdered sugar for a sugar-free confectioners’ substitute.
• Cinnamon swirl variation: add cubed cinnamon bread for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

• Prepare completely and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Oven: 325°F for 15–20 minutes (best texture).
• Microwave: 30–45 seconds for quick reheating.

Serving Ideas

• Warm maple syrup
• Lemon glaze drizzle
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• A dusting of powdered sugar
• Side of bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit salad

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 320
• Carbs: 42g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 210mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this without letting it sit overnight?

It will work, but the texture won’t be as soft or custardy. Overnight soaking is ideal.

2. Do frozen blueberries work?

Yes! Use them straight from the freezer—don’t thaw to avoid extra liquid.

3. Can I leave out the nutmeg?

Absolutely. It’s optional and can be omitted without altering the recipe.

4. What bread gives the best texture?

French bread, brioche, or challah offer the best structure for soaking.

5. Can I reduce the lemon flavor?

Yes—cut the zest amount in half or omit the lemon juice for a milder citrus profile.

This Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole is the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and bright morning flavors. With minimal prep and a luxurious final result, it’s the ideal brunch centerpiece and a foolproof crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Overnight Blueberry Lemon French Toast Casserole – Easy Pioneer-Style Breakfast Bake

A soft, creamy overnight blueberry lemon French toast casserole bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect for effortless brunch mornings and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cream Cheese Filling

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup blueberries
• Zest of 1 lemon + 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

French Toast Base

• 2 loaves French bread, cubed
• 2 cups milk
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon + 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup blueberries

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Creamy Filling

  In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and half of the vanilla until smooth.

  Fold in 1 cup blueberries, lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.

  The berries may burst slightly—this is normal and adds color and flavor.
• Assemble the Casserole

  Grease a 10×14-inch baking dish.

  Add half the bread cubes to the dish.

  Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread.

  Add the remaining bread cubes on top.
• Make the Custard

  Whisk together milk, eggs, remaining vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.

  Slowly pour the custard over the bread layers, making sure everything gets soaked.

  Scatter the remaining blueberries over the top.
• Chill Overnight

  Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight for maximum absorption and flavor.
• Bake the Casserole

  Remove from fridge and let rest for 30–60 minutes at room temperature.

  Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  Bake 45 minutes covered, then 30 minutes uncovered until golden and set.

  Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Bread can vary in absorption—add an extra splash of milk if it looks too dry.
• If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
• Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

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