Pioneer Woman Lemon Blueberry French Toast is a fast, flavorful breakfast featuring buttery brioche, zesty lemon, and juicy blueberries, all topped with a homemade fruit sauce. This bright and fruity twist on classic French toast is perfect for weekend brunch or any morning you want something a little special—ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry French Toast Recipe
- Fresh & Fruity Flavor: Sweet blueberries and lemon zest transform ordinary French toast into a vibrant, citrusy treat.
- Easy Brunch Favorite: On your table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous brunch cravings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the blueberry topping, and adults appreciate the elevated flavor.
- Flexible & Make-Ahead Friendly: Works great as a skillet recipe or baked casserole—plus leftovers reheat beautifully!
Lemon Blueberry French Toast Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 brioche loaf (preferably fresh from the bakery)
- 5 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups half & half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for skillet)
For the Blueberry Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (or thawed frozen)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 ounces honey
- Juice from half a lemon
- Zest from half a lemon
How to Make Lemon Blueberry French Toast
- Prep the Bread: Slice the brioche into even pieces, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Stir in the half & half, vanilla, and lemon extract.
- Heat the Skillet: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Dip & Cook: Briefly dip each bread slice into the egg mixture (don’t soak too long). Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Repeat as needed, adjusting heat between batches.
- Make the Blueberry Sauce: While toast cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add blueberries and water. Let them simmer until berries begin to pop. Stir in sugar, honey, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer until thickened to your liking. Add water to loosen if needed.
- Serve: Plate the warm French toast and drizzle generously with blueberry sauce.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Use day-old brioche for better absorption without getting soggy.
- Add a splash of milk to loosen the egg mixture if it’s too thick.
- Keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch.
- Want extra lemon flavor? Add lemon zest to the egg mixture too.
Recipe Variations
- Overnight French Toast Bake: Assemble in a casserole dish and chill overnight. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Cream Cheese-Stuffed: Spread sweetened cream cheese between two slices before dipping and cooking.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free brioche or soft sandwich bread.
- Orange Blueberry Twist: Swap lemon extract and zest for orange versions for a cozy citrus spin.
- Lemon Maple Drizzle: Mix maple syrup with a bit of lemon juice for an extra zingy topping.
Storage Instructions
- In the Fridge:Store leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the Freezer: Wrap cooled slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating Instructions
- In the Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for 3–5 minutes, or until warm.
- In the Microwave: Reheat individual slices on high for 1–2 minutes. Add blueberry sauce after reheating to keep texture crisp.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I make this French toast ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the egg mixture and soak the bread overnight. Cook fresh in the morning or bake as a casserole. - Can I use frozen blueberries for the sauce?
Absolutely—just thaw first and simmer a bit longer if needed. - Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes! Layer in a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 25–30 minutes. - Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, simmer longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) to thicken quickly. - Is there a sugar substitute option?
You can swap sugar with maple syrup or honey in both the toast and the sauce for a more natural touch.
More Pioneer Woman Recipe:
Nutrition Fact
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 10g
Pioneer Woman Lemon Blueberry French Toast
Description
Pioneer Woman Lemon Blueberry French Toast is a fast, flavorful breakfast featuring buttery brioche, zesty lemon, and juicy blueberries, all topped with a homemade fruit sauce.
Ingredients
Blueberry Sauce
Instructions
- Slice the brioche into 3/4 to 1-inch thick slices.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Add half & half, vanilla, and lemon extract.
- Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each slice briefly in egg mixture. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Add blueberries and water. Simmer until berries pop.
- Stir in sugar, honey, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer until thickened.
- Serve warm French toast topped with blueberry sauce.
Notes
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for a fresh brioche loaf and ripe blueberries for the best flavor.
Slice Bread Evenly: Cut the bread into uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
Don’t Over-Soak: Dip the bread slices in the egg mixture briefly to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Pioneer Woman Lemon Blueberry French Toast
