There’s something special about a bright, citrusy breakfast dish that feels both comforting and elegant. This Easy Lemon Blueberry Strata captures that feeling perfectly—a golden, custardy baked creation bursting with juicy blueberries and a hint of refreshing lemon zest. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, celebrating a weekend gathering, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying to start the day, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.
The inspiration for this dish comes from classic breakfast casseroles that combine bread, eggs, and milk into a creamy, baked perfection. But instead of the usual savory twist, this strata leans into the beauty of fruit and citrus, creating a flavor that’s as uplifting as a sunny morning. It’s the kind of make-ahead breakfast that feels fancy yet effortless—ideal for holidays, Mother’s Day, or lazy Sundays when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
What is a Strata?
A strata is a baked casserole traditionally made with layers of bread, eggs, and milk or cream, similar in texture to bread pudding but typically served as a savory dish. However, the concept is so versatile that it can easily lean sweet, as in this lemon blueberry version. Think of it as the perfect balance between French toast and bread pudding—crispy on the edges, soft and custardy inside, and infused with flavors that make every bite memorable.
This version replaces the typical vegetables or cheese found in savory stratas with fresh or frozen blueberries, tangy lemon zest, and a touch of sweetness. The result is a breakfast bake that’s light yet indulgent, perfect with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Blueberry Strata
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Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning—ideal for brunch gatherings or busy mornings.
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Bursting with Flavor: The tart lemon perfectly complements the sweet blueberries for a refreshing and balanced bite.
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Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s sweet but not overly sugary.
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Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, so you won’t need anything fancy.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for Easter, Christmas breakfast, weekend brunch, or even as a breakfast-for-dinner treat.
Ingredients
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8 cups cubed day-old French bread or brioche (about 1 loaf)
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2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)
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6 large eggs
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2 ½ cups whole milk
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½ cup heavy cream
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons melted butter (for drizzling)
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Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
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Maple syrup or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Arrange half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish. -
Add Blueberries and Lemon:
Sprinkle half of the blueberries over the bread cubes, followed by half of the lemon zest. Add the remaining bread cubes on top, then scatter the rest of the blueberries and zest evenly. -
Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well-combined. -
Assemble the Strata:
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and blueberries, ensuring all pieces are moistened. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it soak up the liquid. -
Let It Rest:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard. -
Bake the Strata:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats. Drizzle the top with melted butter. -
Cook Until Golden:
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If it starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the strata cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve with maple syrup or whipped cream.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 50 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
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Yield: 8–10 servings
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Blueberry Strata
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Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it before using.
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Choose the Right Bread: Brioche or French bread gives a rich texture and buttery flavor. Avoid sandwich bread—it tends to get too soft.
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Frozen Blueberries Work Too: No need to thaw; just add them straight from the freezer to prevent discoloring the custard.
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Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the strata to soak ensures every bite is custardy and flavorful.
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Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle a handful of streusel or sliced almonds on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon blueberry strata is delightful on its own, but it shines even brighter with a few finishing touches. Here are some ways to elevate your presentation and flavor:
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Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the lemon.
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Top with Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and a burst of freshness before serving.
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Dust with Powdered Sugar: A simple yet elegant way to make it brunch-worthy.
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Add Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt: For extra creaminess and contrast.
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Serve with Coffee or Tea: The citrus notes pair beautifully with both.
How to Make It Ahead
One of the best things about this recipe is its make-ahead convenience.
Here’s how to plan ahead effortlessly:
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Assemble the Night Before: Prepare the strata as directed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
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Bake in the Morning: Pull it out while preheating the oven, then bake fresh for guests or family.
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Reheat Leftovers: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or cover and reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
This flexibility makes it perfect for holidays or busy mornings—you can sleep in and still serve a homemade breakfast that tastes like a bakery treat.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: You can freeze the baked strata for up to 2 months. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or freezer wrap, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheat: To reheat the entire dish, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 20–25 minutes. For single servings, microwave for about 30 seconds.
Variations and Add-Ins
This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Try experimenting with these variations for new flavors:
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Mixed Berry Strata: Use a combination of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a colorful twist.
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Citrus Delight: Add orange zest along with lemon for a deeper citrus profile.
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Cream Cheese Swirl: Dot small spoonfuls of cream cheese between layers for a cheesecake-like richness.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking.
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Vanilla Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together for a drizzle on top after baking.
Troubleshooting Guide
1. My strata is too soggy.
You may have used too much liquid or not enough bread. Make sure your bread is slightly stale, and if using very soft bread, reduce the milk by ¼ cup.
2. The top browned too quickly.
If this happens, simply tent the dish with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
3. The custard didn’t set.
Ensure you bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. All ovens differ, so you might need an extra 5–10 minutes.
4. It tastes bland.
Don’t forget the lemon zest—it’s the key to that bright, refreshing flavor. Also, a pinch of salt enhances the overall taste.
Why Lemon and Blueberry Make the Perfect Pair
Lemon and blueberry are a classic flavor combination for a reason. The tartness of the lemon balances the natural sweetness of the berries, creating harmony in every bite. Lemon brightens up the dish and enhances the blueberry’s flavor, while the berries bring a juicy burst of freshness. This combination not only tastes delicious but also gives the strata a stunning contrast of colors—golden bread speckled with purple-blue gems.
Beyond flavor, both ingredients add a touch of nostalgia to the breakfast table. Lemon and blueberry evoke memories of summertime picnics, sunny mornings, and homemade baked goods fresh from the oven. It’s comfort food with a vibrant, uplifting twist.
Health Benefits of Lemon and Blueberries
While this recipe feels indulgent, it also offers some wholesome benefits:
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Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, which support heart health and brain function.
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Lemon provides a boost of vitamin C, aids digestion, and adds flavor without the need for excessive sugar.
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Eggs and Milk contribute protein and calcium, helping make this a balanced breakfast option.
Of course, this isn’t a “health food,” but it’s a beautiful example of how homemade cooking can combine pleasure and nourishment in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this strata dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the milk and cream with your favorite non-dairy options such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. For the best texture, choose unsweetened and full-fat varieties.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Absolutely. Gluten-free bread works perfectly here—just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard. Slightly toasting it first can help prevent sogginess.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but fresh lemon zest adds unbeatable fragrance and flavor. If possible, use at least one fresh lemon for zest.
Can I bake it in smaller portions?
Yes, you can bake individual servings in ramekins or muffin tins. Reduce baking time to about 25–30 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
Easy Lemon Blueberry Strata for Brunch or Breakfast
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Lemon Blueberry Strata is a bright and refreshing make-ahead breakfast bake that’s perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or lazy weekend mornings. With layers of soft bread soaked in a creamy lemon-infused custard and dotted with juicy blueberries, this dish delivers the ideal balance of sweetness and citrus. It’s simple to prepare, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries it.
Ingredients
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8 cups cubed day-old French bread or brioche (about 1 loaf)
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2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen)
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6 large eggs
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2 ½ cups whole milk
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½ cup heavy cream
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons melted butter (for drizzling)
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Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
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Maple syrup or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Arrange half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
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Sprinkle half of the blueberries and lemon zest over the bread. Add the remaining bread, then top with the rest of the blueberries and zest.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
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Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure all cubes absorb the liquid.
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Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
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When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
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Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and set in the center.
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Let the strata cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
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Day-old or slightly stale bread works best to absorb the custard without getting soggy.
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If using fresh bread, toast the cubes lightly before assembling.
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Frozen blueberries can be used straight from the freezer; do not thaw to prevent discoloration.
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To make ahead, assemble the strata the night before and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
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Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds.
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Try variations like mixed berries, a cream cheese swirl, or a streusel topping for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
