Dive into the enticing flavors of this Lemon Blueberry French Toast. This recipe is a delightful blend of tangy lemons, sweet blueberries, and fluffy French toast. The blueberry sauce elevates the dish, providing a burst of fruitiness that pairs perfectly with the zest of the lemon. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
Most of the ingredients required for this recipe are common in households, such as eggs, milk, sugar, and bread. However, you might need to pick up fresh blueberries and a lemon from the supermarket. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to this dish for its tangy flavor that complements the sweet blueberries. If you choose a thick, crusty bread it will give the best texture to your French toast.
Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry French Toast and Blueberry Sauce
Eggs: Provide the base for your French toast batter, giving it structure and richness.
Skim milk: Thins out the egg mixture and makes your French toast tender.
Lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor to the French toast, balancing out the sweetness of the blueberries.
Sugar: Sweetens both the French toast batter and the blueberry sauce.
Vanilla extract: Provides a depth of flavor to the French toast.
Bread: Thick slices are best for French toast as they absorb the egg mixture well without falling apart.
Blueberries: These are boiled down into a sweet sauce that's drizzled over the French toast.
Water: Used in the blueberry sauce to help break down the blueberries and distribute the sugar.
Cornstarch slurry: Thicken the blueberry sauce to a syrup-like consistency.
One reader, Carilyn Pappas says:
This lemon blueberry French toast recipe is a game-changer! The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries is simply divine. The blueberry sauce takes it to the next level. It's a delightful twist on a classic breakfast dish that's sure to impress. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques for Perfect Lemon Blueberry French Toast
How to prepare lemon blueberry french toast: This technique involves whisking together the eggs, milk, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla extract to create the custard for soaking the bread. The bread is then soaked in the custard mixture and fried until golden and cooked through.
How to make blueberry sauce: This technique involves combining blueberries, water, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan and bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. A cornstarch slurry is then added to thicken the sauce until it coats the back of a metal spoon.
How To Make Lemon Blueberry French Toast
Start your morning right with this French toast recipe made delicious with lemon flavor and a generous amount of blueberry syrup.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Lemon Blueberry French Toast:
- 2eggs
- 1/2cupskim milk
- 1/4cuplemon juice,freshly squeezed
- 2Tbsp.sugar of your choice,or natural sweetener
- 2tsp.pure vanilla extract
- 4slicesthick bread
For Blueberry Sauce:
- 2cupsblueberries,frozen or fresh
- ⅓cupwater
- ¼cupgranulated sugar
- 2tbsplemon juice or orange juice
- 1½tbspcornstarch slurry
Instructions
Lemon Blueberry French Toast:
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Whisk the eggs together with the milk, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl.
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Soak the bread in the egg mixture, pressing down on each side to ensure it has absorbed the liquid.
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Heat a nonstick pan or griddle on medium heat. Fry the bread on both sides until golden and cooked through.
Blueberry sauce:
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Combine the blueberries, water, sugar, lemon juice and water in a small-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil; lower heat and gently simmer.
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Combine the cornstarch with the extra water until dissolved and stir it into the blueberries.
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Continue to simmer while stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken and coats the back of a metal spoon..
Nutrition
- Calories: 256.23kcal
- Fat: 3.34g
- Saturated Fat: 0.96g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.01g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.96g
- Carbohydrates: 49.82g
- Fiber: 3.03g
- Sugar: 30.22g
- Protein: 7.50g
- Cholesterol: 80.60mg
- Sodium: 196.31mg
- Calcium: 120.48mg
- Potassium: 216.37mg
- Iron: 1.65mg
- Vitamin A: 78.92µg
- Vitamin C: 16.40mg
Pro Tip for Enhancing Your French Toast
To ensure your French toast is fluffy and not soggy, it's crucial to let the bread soak in the egg mixture for the right amount of time. Too short and the bread won't absorb enough of the mixture to get that classic French toast texture; too long and the bread could become overly saturated and fall apart. A good rule of thumb is to let the bread soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side. Also, using thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah can help prevent sogginess.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to cook to save time and ensure you have everything you need.
Use pre-made blueberry sauce: Consider using store-bought blueberry sauce to save time and simplify the recipe.
Prep the night before: Prepare the egg mixture and soak the bread the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is cook the French toast.
Use an electric griddle: Cooking multiple slices of French toast at once on an electric griddle can save time compared to using a single pan.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch of French toast and freeze the leftovers for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.
Opt for frozen blueberries: Using frozen blueberries can save time on washing and preparing fresh berries.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Blueberry French Toast Recipe
skim milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a suitable dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle nutty flavor to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar tangy citrus flavor that complements the blueberries and adds a refreshing twist to the recipe.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey offers a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
thick bread - Substitute with brioche bread: Brioche bread's rich, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor elevate the dish, adding a touch of indulgence to the French toast.
blueberries - Substitute with blackberries: Blackberries provide a similar tartness and juiciness, offering a delightful contrast to the sweet French toast.
cornstarch slurry - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder acts as a thickening agent, similar to cornstarch, and helps create a luscious, glossy sauce for the blueberries.
Essential Tools for Making French Toast
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, often used for incorporating air into mixtures.
- Nonstick pan or griddle: A cooking pan or griddle with a nonstick coating, used for frying or grilling food without it sticking to the surface.
- Small-sized saucepan: A small cooking pot with a handle and a lid, used for heating and simmering sauces, soups, or other liquids.
- Shallow bowl: A wide and shallow dish used for mixing and soaking ingredients, such as for marinating or breading food items.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for lifting and flipping food items such as pancakes or French toast.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring liquid and dry ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Metal spoon: A spoon made of metal, often used for stirring, mixing, and serving food.
- Cornstarch slurry: A mixture of cornstarch and water used to thicken sauces and gravies.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
- Let the french toast cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled french toast in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the french toast. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Frozen french toast will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat refrigerated french toast, simply microwave each slice for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a toaster or on a griddle over medium heat until crisp and heated through.
- For frozen french toast, you can reheat it directly from the freezer. Place the frozen slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. Alternatively, you can microwave the frozen slices for 1-2 minutes, then finish crisping them up in a toaster or on a griddle.
- Store any leftover blueberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
How To Reheat Leftover French Toast
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover lemon blueberry french toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the french toast loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to restore the crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and moist.
For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the french toast slices directly on the rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on the toast to ensure it doesn't burn.
If you're in a hurry, you can also use a microwave. Place the lemon blueberry french toast on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, depending on the thickness of the slices. To prevent the french toast from becoming soggy, place a damp paper towel over the plate before microwaving. This method is best for a quick fix, but it may not restore the crispy texture of the toast.
For a delightful twist, cut the leftover french toast into bite-sized pieces and create a french toast casserole. In a greased baking dish, layer the french toast pieces, pour a mixture of eggs, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract over the top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. This method transforms your leftovers into a whole new delicious breakfast or brunch dish.
To reheat the blueberry sauce, simply place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Interesting Trivia About Lemon Blueberry French Toast
This recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a perfect choice for a leisurely weekend brunch. French toast is a versatile dish that can be customized with various fruits and flavors, and the addition of blueberries and lemon in this recipe adds a refreshing twist. Blueberries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making them a healthy choice for this indulgent dish. The zesty lemon juice complements the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds.
Is Making French Toast at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this lemon blueberry French toast recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of eggs, milk, bread, and blueberries is economical. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10. The recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8/10 rating.
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The lemon blueberry french toast recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients such as:
- Blueberries, which are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber
- Eggs, a good source of protein and essential nutrients
- Lemon juice, providing vitamin C and flavor without added calories
However, there are some less healthy components:
- The recipe calls for sugar and cornstarch, which add empty calories and refined carbohydrates
- Using white bread instead of whole grain reduces the fiber content
- Frying the bread in a pan or griddle adds extra fat and calories
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap white bread for whole grain bread to increase fiber intake
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the egg mixture and blueberry sauce, or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use a cooking spray instead of butter or oil when frying the bread to minimize added fats
- Serve the french toast with fresh fruit and a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and nutrients
- Experiment with using egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce cholesterol content
By incorporating more whole foods, reducing added sugars and fats, and focusing on nutrient-dense toppings, this lemon blueberry french toast can be transformed into a more balanced and nourishing breakfast option. With a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy the delicious flavors while still prioritizing your health and well-being.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Dish
This lemon blueberry French toast recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The use of lemon juice and blueberries adds a refreshing twist to the classic French toast. The blueberry sauce provides a burst of fruity goodness, complementing the richness of the toast. The recipe is simple to follow and yields a delicious breakfast or brunch option that is sure to impress. The balance of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout choice for a special morning treat.
Why trust this Lemon Blueberry French Toast Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful culinary experience with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of lemon juice and blueberries offers a refreshing and tangy twist, while the use of skim milk ensures a lighter and healthier option. The incorporation of pure vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic touch, elevating the overall taste. The meticulous instructions and attention to detail in creating the blueberry sauce ensure a luscious and visually appealing accompaniment. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to create a memorable and satisfying French toast experience.
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