Imagine waking up to a heavenly aroma of sweet bananas, juicy blueberries, and perfectly baked French toast without the morning rush of cooking! This Overnight Blueberry Banana French Toast is the ultimate breakfast solution for busy families, lazy weekends, and anyone who craves a delicious morning meal with minimal morning effort. By preparing everything the night before, you'll transform your breakfast routine from stressful to spectacular, delivering a restaurant-worthy dish right from your own oven.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cube the loaf of challah or brioche bread into bite-sized pieces and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs and whisk them together until well combined.
- Add the 2 cups of milk to the eggs, followed by the 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the cubed bread in the mixing bowl. Gently fold the bread cubes into the mixture, ensuring that all pieces are evenly coated. Let this sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- While the bread is soaking, prepare the fruit. Slice the 2 ripe bananas and gently fold them into the bread mixture along with the 1 cup of blueberries. Be careful not to mash the fruit.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the soaked bread and fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb more of the egg mixture.
- When you are ready to bake the French toast, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy with maple syrup or your favorite toppings.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Use day-old challah or brioche for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy, while slightly stale bread absorbs the custard perfectly.
- Don't Rush the Soaking: Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 10 minutes, but overnight refrigeration is even better for deeper flavor infusion.
- Gentle Fruit Handling: When adding bananas and blueberries, fold them gently to prevent mashing and maintain their beautiful whole form.
- Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a knife in the center - it should come out clean, indicating the custard is set.
- Customize Your Toppings: While delicious as-is, consider garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
