Description
Rich raspberry cheesecake french toast casserole brings weekend brunch dreams to delicious reality. Creamy layers of sweet cheese and tangy berries create a luxurious morning masterpiece you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 cups cubed French bread (about 1 large loaf)
- 10 eggs
- 2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ⅔ cups (397 milliliters) milk
Sweeteners:
- ⅓ cup (66 grams) sugar
- ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by thoroughly coating the bottom and sides with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Transform the French bread into rustic 1½-inch cubes, filling approximately 12 cups of volume. Distribute about two-thirds of these cubes as the foundational layer in the prepared dish.
- Create a silky cream cheese mixture by blending softened cream cheese with sugar until achieving a luxurious, smooth consistency.
- Artfully scatter dollops of the cream cheese mixture across the initial bread layer, allowing for a rustic, uneven distribution.
- Generously scatter fresh raspberries over the cream cheese-covered bread cubes, then crown with the remaining bread cubes to complete the layering.
- Craft the custard base by thoroughly whisking eggs until they become light and frothy. Incorporate milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until perfectly harmonized.
- Gently cascade the custard mixture over the stratified bread cubes, ensuring even coverage. Delicately press the bread downward, encouraging maximum liquid absorption.
- Seal the casserole with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to thoroughly soak.
- When ready to bake, heat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the surface transforms into a golden, appetizing brown.
- Extract from the oven and allow a brief resting period. Optional: dust with a delicate veil of powdered sugar and accompany with maple syrup for an indulgent finishing flourish.
Notes
- Prep ahead is a game-changer for this breakfast dish, allowing the bread to soak up all the delicious custard overnight.
- Softened cream cheese creates dreamy pockets of tangy richness throughout the casserole, adding luxurious texture.
- Choose day-old French bread for the best results, as slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively.
- Raspberries bring bright, tart bursts of flavor that perfectly complement the sweet and creamy base.
- Internal temperature matters for food safety, so use a thermometer to ensure the eggs are fully cooked.
- Customize by swapping raspberries with blueberries or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg