🍓 Raspberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole – A Sweet Morning Treat
There’s something magical about breakfast casseroles that combine sweet fruit, soft bread, and creamy fillings. Among them, Raspberry Cream Cheese French Toast stands out as a festive, flavorful, and make-ahead dish. With layers of soft bread, tangy raspberries, and rich cream cheese, baked to golden perfection, it’s the kind of recipe that makes weekends, holidays, or family brunches truly memorable.
This casserole-style French toast is easy to prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, holidays like Eid brunches, or cozy Sunday mornings
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🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base:
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1 loaf French bread (cubed, slightly stale works best)
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1½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
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8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
For the Custard:
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6 large eggs
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2 cups whole milk
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp cinnamon
For the Topping:
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½ cup raspberry jam (optional)
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½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
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Maple syrup (for serving)
🔥 Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Layer
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Grease a baking dish with butter.
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Spread half the cubed bread evenly at the bottom.
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Add cubes of cream cheese across the bread.
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Sprinkle raspberries over it.
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Top with the remaining bread cubes.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
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6 eggs: The backbone of the custard.
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2 cups whole milk: For a soft, custardy texture.
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½ cup heavy cream: Adds extra richness.
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½ cup sugar: Sweetness that enhances the raspberry tartness.
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1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aroma.
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½ tsp cinnamon: A hint of spice that makes it cozy.
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Topping:
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½ cup raspberry jam (optional): Boosts fruity flavor.
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½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a bakery-style finish.
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Maple syrup (for serving): Complements the dish perfectly.
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Step 3: Resting Time
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Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 3–4 hours). This helps the bread soak up all the flavors.
Step 4: Baking
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Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center.
Step 5: Serving
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Drizzle with raspberry jam and maple syrup.
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Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
This Raspberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole pairs beautifully with:
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A side of fresh fruit salad.
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A warm cup of chai or cappuccino.
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Savory breakfast items like scrambled eggs or turkey sausages.
It works equally well as a brunch centerpiece or a holiday dessert.
🧊 Storage Tips
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Wrap portions tightly with foil and freeze for up to 1 month.
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Reheating: Warm in an oven at 160°C for 10 minutes or microwave with a splash of milk to keep it moist.
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🍯 Variations to Try
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Berry Mix: Use blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries instead of raspberries.
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for crunch.
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Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle chocolate chips between layers.
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Healthier Option: Use whole wheat bread and reduce sugar.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make it without cream cheese?
Yes, but cream cheese adds creaminess. You can replace it with ricotta or skip it for a lighter version.Q: Do I need to soak overnight?
Not strictly – 3–4 hours works, but overnight gives best results.Q: Can I serve it cold?
Yes! It’s delicious warm or chilled – like a fruity bread pudding.
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🔗 Internal Linking Suggestions
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Raspberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is more than just breakfast – it’s comfort food that balances tart raspberries, creamy filling, and custardy bread. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion or a weekend family breakfast, it’s guaranteed to impress your loved ones.