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