Looking for a crowd-pleasing weekend brunch dish that’s simple and satisfying? Meet the Lemon-Kissed Berry Brunch Bake—an indulgent yet comforting twist on classic French toast. It’s loaded with fresh blueberries, bright citrus zing, and sweet, custardy bread baked to perfection. You can assemble it the night before, making your mornings less hectic and more delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf of day-old French bread, cut into cubes
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
First, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. Scatter half of the bread cubes across the bottom of the dish, then evenly sprinkle half of the fresh blueberries over the bread. Next, layer the remaining bread cubes and top with the remaining blueberries.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour this creamy mixture over the layered bread and berries, making sure every piece is coated. Drizzle the melted butter on top for a little extra richness.
If time allows, cover the dish and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
This Lemon-Kissed Berry Brunch Bake is a wonderful choice for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions. Its bright flavor comes from the fresh blueberries and hint of lemon, delivering a lovely balance of sweet and tangy. For those watching sugar intake, you can reduce the sugar or swap in a natural sweetener.
Feel free to experiment with other fruits—raspberries or sliced peaches offer a delightful twist. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a brunch, this casserole is sure to wow everyone at the table. Enjoy!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
