Lemon Brioche French Toast with Berries
Step into the grocery store these days and the first thing you see are all the berries! Blueberries, blackberries (my favorite), and raspberries are just waiting to be enjoyed. Here’s a light and wonderful Lemon Brioche French Toast with Berries recipe I think you’ll enjoy!
While most French Toast casseroles tend to be rustic and filling, this one is lighter and refreshing. The lemon zest gives it a wonderful flavor without being overpowering, and the raspberries help to balance the lemony flavor. Plus the red berries add a nice pop of color to the dish.
You can make this breakfast or brunch dish of Lemon Brioche French Toast with either brioche or challah bread. The dish is quick-to-assemble and you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, which is nice if you want to save yourself some time in the morning by compiling it the night before. Then it’s just a quick pop in the oven before you can enjoy.
A close-up photo shows the bread is light in texture, as opposed to dense and heavy. A lemony glaze is drizzled over the top, along with a handful of berries. I used raspberries but you could also choose blueberries or blackberries.
Lemon Brioche French Toast with Berries
Ingredients
- One 16 to 20-ounce loaf brioche or challah
- 2 lemons zested and juiced
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cups 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups confectioner sugar
- 10 ounces raspberries
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease 13x9 inch casserole pan with nonstick cooking spray.
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Slice bread into 1/2-inch slices, then cut each slice in half. Arrange half of the bread in overlapping layers in the baking dish. Sprinkle the bread with about half of the lemon zest.
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Whisk eggs in a large bowl, then whisk in brown sugar. Whisk in the milk, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, and remaining lemon zest. Pour half of the egg mixture over the bread, then layer the rest of the bread on top. Pour the rest of the mixture over the top. You can either bake the casserole immediately, or place in refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
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When ready to bake, take the casserole out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking. Bake casserole for 30 minutes, or until slightly golden on top.
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Whisk the lemon juice with the confectioner sugar, slowly adding the juice to the sugar. You might not need all of the lemon juice. You want the glaze somewhat thin. Drizzle glaze over hot casserole. Sprinkle raspberries on top and then lightly dust top of casserole with confectioners sugar.
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Let casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
We love lemon and raspberries in this household and I frequently have overnight guests and love recipes that I can make ahead for breakfast!…This is definitely landing in my recipe box!..Thanks for the recipe!!! Happy New Year Jennifer!!
Hi Jennifer, I’m always up for anything with raspberries. Everything looks so delicious and I’ll definitely keep this recipe in mind.
Lovely presentation too.
Happy holidays!
Wow! This looks so delicious, Jennifer. Yum! Happy New Year! x
Jennifer, this sounds delicious! And I love that I can make it the day before!!! Happy New Year! 🙂
Looks and sounds delicious! Love that I can make it the night before!!! 🙂 Happy New Year!
This looks delicious! What a nice way to welcome in the new year!
Oh my goodness, Jennifer, this looks so delicious. I love that it’s not heavy but light and tasty. A very Happy New Year to you and yours. xo, mb
Jennifer, your dish looks amazing! I love that you’re using lemon… that would be perfect the morning after eating all those rich appetizers. 😉 I LOVE New Year’s brunch along with the Rose Parade… a perfectly relaxing way to begin the New Year. Hope yours is blessed!
This is definitely a keeper for me!!! I do a french toast casserole but this one sounds SOOO good! Thanks so much for the recipe. Wishing you a very happy new year, Jennifer!!!
This sounds delicious and perfect for New Year’s morning! French toast is a favorite in our house! Happy New Year!!
our favorite meal of the day. this recipe looks delish. Happy New Year!
Yummy!!! This is such a great idea for a brunch. I can’t wait to give it a try!
Yummy! What a great idea for a brunch. Happy New Year!
Yummy! Now I’m really hungry!