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Fluffy Lemon Curd French Toast Casserole Recipe with Blueberry Maple Syrup

lemon curd french toast casserole - featured image

A fluffy and custardy French toast casserole infused with tangy lemon curd and topped with a homemade blueberry maple syrup, perfect for brunch and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old works best for soaking)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or use almond milk for a dairy-free twist)
  • 1/2 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Butter or non-stick spray for greasing
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries (fresh works too)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon or ginger for warmth

Instructions

  1. Cut your brioche loaf into roughly 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes out on a baking sheet and let them sit for 30 minutes if fresh to dry out a bit.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fully combined.
  3. Gently fold 1/2 cup lemon curd into the custard mix, leaving streaks for bursts of flavor.
  4. Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish generously. Place the brioche cubes in the dish, pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, press down lightly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  5. About 30 minutes before baking, combine 1 cup frozen blueberries, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until blueberries soften and syrup thickens (about 10 minutes). Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger if desired. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and custard is set. If top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
  8. Let casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Spoon warm blueberry maple syrup over each serving. Optionally, add fresh blueberries or powdered sugar for presentation.

Notes

Letting the bread soak overnight in the custard yields the best texture. Use day-old brioche or challah for richness and to avoid mushiness. Room temperature eggs and milk help prevent clumps. Tent with foil if top browns too fast. Blueberry syrup can be mashed or blended for texture variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, lemon curd, blueberry maple syrup, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, fluffy casserole