Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole Recipe
If you are craving a breakfast treat that feels both indulgent and special, look no further than this Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and comforting with layers of rich cheesecake filling and juicy raspberries nestled inside cubes of golden, custardy French bread. This casserole transforms classic French toast into an unforgettable, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or holiday celebrations when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Prepare to fall in love with every luscious bite of Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you — these ingredients are simple, straightforward, and each one plays a vital role in creating the dreamlike texture and flavor of this casserole. From the soft cream cheese that adds luscious creaminess to the fresh raspberries bringing a bright, tart pop, every component works in perfect harmony.
- French bread (12 cups cubed): Day-old bread works best for absorbing the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Raspberries (2 cups): Fresh or frozen, these add a vibrant burst of color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): This rich ingredient creates the decadent cheesecake layer everyone loves.
- Sugar (⅓ cup and ½ cup): Two measurements keep sweetness balanced between the cheesecake filling and the egg custard.
- Eggs (10): They form the luscious custard that soaks into the bread, creating that signature French toast texture.
- Milk (1⅔ cups): Provides moisture and richness to the custard base.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note to round out the flavors beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Perfect for dusting just before serving, to add a delicate finishing touch.
How to Make Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bread
Start by generously greasing a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks when the casserole bakes to golden perfection. Then cube your French bread into roughly 1 ½-inch pieces until you reach about 12 cups. This sizing keeps the texture just right to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Step 2: Layer Bread and Cream Cheese
Place approximately two-thirds of your bread cubes in the bottom of your prepared pan. Next, mix the softened cream cheese with ⅓ cup of sugar in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Dollop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the bread layer — no need to spread it thin; the pockets of cream cheese add delightful bursts of flavor throughout.
Step 3: Add Raspberries and Final Bread Layer
Sprinkle the raspberries over the cream cheese dollops, letting their juicy tartness shine through. Then cover the berries with the remaining bread cubes, creating beautiful layers of flavor and texture ready to soak up the custard.
Step 4: Whisk the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ½ cup sugar, and vanilla until fully combined. This custard mixture will seep into every crevice of the bread for a beautifully tender and flavorful French toast experience.
Step 5: Soak and Refrigerate Overnight
Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and raspberries. Press down gently on the bread cubes so each piece absorbs some of the liquid. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the refrigerator overnight. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and the custard to penetrate perfectly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the cover and bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until it’s puffed, golden brown on top, and a thermometer inserted in the center reads 160°F. Allow it to rest a few minutes—this helps it set up perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness and elegance to your Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint on top can also brighten the presentation and offer a little fresh zip with every bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite rich and filling, so consider pairing it with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness. A side of maple syrup or fruit compote on the table also lets everyone customize their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your casserole in individual ramekins for a charming touch, or slice it into neat squares on a beautiful platter for a brunch party. Drizzling with a berry sauce or warm caramel sauce can elevate the Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole into a dessert-worthy delight anytime you want.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen even more after a day, so leftovers can be just as enjoyable as fresh!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes, or warm slices in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying, for about 15 minutes. Add a quick sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh raspberries to brighten it up as if it were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While classic French bread is ideal for its texture, challah, brioche, or even a sturdy white sandwich bread can work. Just make sure it’s slightly stale so it soaks up the custard well without falling apart.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
For the best cheesecake flavor, cream cheese is key. However, mascarpone can be a creamy alternative, though it’s less tangy. Avoid substitutes that are too soft or runny as they will affect the casserole’s texture.
Do I have to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
Overnight refrigeration is highly recommended because it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and flavors to meld, resulting in the classic moist yet set texture. If you’re short on time, try to soak it for at least a couple of hours.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by using dairy-free cream cheese and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, you can adapt this recipe for a dairy-free diet. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?
Using slightly stale bread and pressing the bread cubes into the custard helps prevent sogginess. Also, baking uncovered allows the top to crisp up nicely while the inside stays custardy but not wet.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about waking up to a warm, fruity, and rich Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole ready to be enjoyed with your favorite toppings and company. This recipe truly turns breakfast into a celebration of flavors and textures with surprisingly simple ingredients and easy prep. Give it a try for your next special morning—you might just find your new favorite brunch tradition!
Print
Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes (including overnight refrigerating)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast or brunch dish combining the creamy richness of cheesecake, the tartness of fresh raspberries, and the comforting texture of French toast baked in a casserole. It’s perfect to prepare the night before, making morning family meals easy and indulgent.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 cups cubed French bread (about 1 large loaf)
- 2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 10 eggs
- 1 2/3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Use cooking spray to grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish; set aside.
- Cube the bread: Cut the French bread into 1 1/2 inch cubes until you have approximately 12 cups. Place about two-thirds of the cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 1/3 cup sugar. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Layer cream cheese: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of bread cubes. There is no need to spread it out; small dollops are ideal.
- Add raspberries and bread layers: Sprinkle the raspberries evenly over the cream cheese. Then add the remaining one-third of the bread cubes on top.
- Whisk custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Pour custard and soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and raspberries. Gently press down on the bread cubes to help them soak up the custard fully.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the casserole with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture completely.
- Bake: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup.
Notes
- Use stale or day-old French bread for best absorption and texture.
- Fresh or frozen raspberries work equally well; if using frozen, no need to thaw first.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to mix smoothly.
- Pressing the bread cubes into the custard ensures even soaking for a custardy center.
- Refrigeration time can be a minimum of 4 hours but works best overnight.
- Check doneness by inserting a thermometer to 160°F to ensure eggs are fully cooked.
- Serve with fresh fruit or nuts as desired.
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of casserole)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
Keywords: French toast casserole, raspberry cheesecake, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast, holiday brunch
