Raspberry French Toast Bake Recipe

Cozy Raspberry French Toast Bake Recipe for Dreamy Mornings

Breakfast becomes a delightful adventure with this mouthwatering raspberry French toast bake that promises pure morning comfort.

Weekend mornings call for something special and indulgent.

Layers of soft bread, sweet raspberries, and rich custard merge into a delectable breakfast casserole that will have everyone at the table eager to dig in.

The aroma of cinnamon and fresh berries fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible morning atmosphere.

Perfectly golden and bursting with fruity goodness, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Weekends were made for memorable breakfasts like this – so gather your ingredients and let’s make something delicious.

This recipe will become your new weekend breakfast favorite.

Creamy Raspberry French Toast Bake—Mornings Made Better

  • Transform ordinary morning meals into a spectacular dish that requires minimal morning prep, letting you enjoy quality time with loved ones.
  • Packed with creamy texture and sweet raspberry bursts, this French toast bake delivers delightful flavors that appeal to both kids and adults at family gatherings.
  • Prepare the entire dish the night before, allowing you to wake up to a ready-to-bake breakfast that saves precious morning minutes and reduces kitchen stress.
  • Perfect for brunches, holiday mornings, or special occasions, this recipe impresses guests while being surprisingly easy to create with simple ingredients.

Ingredients for Raspberry French Toast Bake

Main Ingredients:
  • French Bread: A soft and sturdy bread that provides the base for the delicious breakfast casserole.
  • Raspberries: Fresh and tangy berries that add bright flavor and natural sweetness to the dish.
  • Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy ingredient that creates delightful pockets of flavor throughout the bake.
Dairy Components:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the breakfast casserole.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth and custard-like texture for the bread layers.
Sweeteners and Flavoring:
  • Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Enhance the overall sweetness and add depth of flavor to the dish.
Baking Essentials:
  • Cooking Spray, Powdered Sugar: Help prevent sticking and provide a beautiful finishing touch for serving.

Tools for French Toast Bake Assembly

  • 9×13 Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the French toast casserole.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking eggs and creating the custard mixture.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for blending cream cheese and sugar.
  • Whisk: Crucial for combining eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla smoothly.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to cut French bread into precise cubes.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for bread preparation.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients like sugar and milk.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise vanilla extract measurement.
  • Cooking Spray: Used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.

Steps to Creamy Raspberry French Toast Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Grab your baking dish and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Generously spray the 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Chop the Bread

Slice the French bread into chunky 1 1/2 inch cubes.

Spread these cubes across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a delicious foundation for your breakfast masterpiece.

Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese

In a small mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with sugar until it becomes silky smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Create Cream Cheese Layers

Gently drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes, creating little pockets of tangy goodness.

Step 5: Sprinkle Fruity Goodness

Scatter fresh raspberries across the cream cheese layer.

Top these with another layer of bread cubes for a delightful surprise.

Step 6: Craft the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Soak the Layers

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers.

Use a light touch to press down, helping the bread soak up all the delicious liquid.

Step 8: Chill Overnight

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid.

Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors mingle and the bread absorb all the wonderful moisture.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Remove the dish from the refrigerator and place it directly in the preheated oven.

Step 10: Cook Until Golden

Bake for 45-50 minutes.

You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown top and an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking.

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup on the side.

Top Tricks for Perfect French Toast Bake

  • Choose day-old French bread or brioche for better absorption and richer texture in the casserole.
  • Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to create a lump-free, silky mixture.
  • Replace raspberries with blueberries, strawberries, or mixed berries for seasonal variety and personal preference.
  • Prepare the entire dish the night before to allow bread cubes to soak up the egg mixture thoroughly, enhancing flavor and texture.
  • Garnish with fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for added crunch and visual appeal.

French Toast Bake Flavor Options

  • Berry Bliss Variation: Swap raspberries with mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful and vibrant breakfast casserole.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace French bread with gluten-free bread cubes to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Sunrise Remix: Use plant-based cream cheese, coconut milk, and egg replacer to create a dairy-free and vegan-friendly version of this French toast bake.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans between bread layers for added texture and a rich, toasty flavor profile.

How to Serve Raspberry French Toast Bake

  • Breakfast Brunch Centerpiece: Impress guests by presenting this French toast bake as the star of your morning meal, surrounded by fresh fruit and elegant coffee settings.
  • Sweet Morning Companion: Pair with a light yogurt parfait or fresh fruit smoothie to balance the rich, creamy texture of the raspberry bake.
  • Decadent Dessert Transformation: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce or caramel over individual servings, turning this breakfast dish into an indulgent after-dinner treat that satisfies serious sweet cravings.
  • Weekend Family Feast: Serve alongside crispy bacon or turkey sausage links to create a complete, hearty breakfast spread that brings everyone to the table with excitement.

Storing French Toast Bake for Breakfast

  • Store the French toast bake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for easy future meals. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking between each interval to prevent overcooking. Typically takes 1-2 minutes total for a perfect warm serving.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just thaw and drain them completely before adding to the dish to prevent excess moisture.

  • Is it necessary to use French bread, or can I substitute with another type?

While French bread works best due to its texture, you can use brioche, challah, or day-old white bread as alternatives. The key is using bread that can absorb the egg mixture well.

  • How do I know if the French toast bake is fully cooked?

Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer – it should reach 160F. The top should be golden brown and the center should look set, not liquid or soggy.

Print
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Raspberry French Toast Bake Recipe

Raspberry French Toast Bake Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delectable Raspberry French Toast Bake celebrates breakfast indulgence with layers of bread, cream cheese, and sweet berries. Hearty comfort meets elegant simplicity, promising a delightful morning treat you can savor with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 cups cubed French bread
  • 10 eggs
  • 2 cups raspberries
  • 1 2/3 cups (400 milliliters) milk

Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar (for egg mixture)
  • 1/3 cup (67 grams) sugar (for cream cheese)
  • Powdered sugar (optional)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice the French bread into chunky 1½-inch cubes, creating an even base layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened cream cheese with sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Strategically distribute cream cheese dollops across the initial bread layer, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Gently sprinkle fresh raspberries over the cream cheese, then top with remaining bread cubes to create a layered texture.
  6. Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until ingredients are completely integrated and smooth.
  7. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread layers, using gentle pressure to help bread cubes absorb the liquid evenly.
  8. Securely cover the dish and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and bread to fully absorb the mixture.
  9. Remove from refrigerator and place directly into the preheated oven without additional preparation.
  10. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
  11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup.

Notes

  • Swap stale bread for fresh French bread to enhance the texture and prevent sogginess during baking.
  • Mix frozen raspberries with fresh ones for a more intense berry flavor and vibrant color throughout the dish.
  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for different dietary needs.
  • Prepare this breakfast casserole the night before to save morning cooking time and allow bread to absorb egg mixture completely.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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