Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 29 reviews
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 60 minutes (including refrigerator soak time)
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is a delightful and indulgent breakfast or brunch treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fruity burst of raspberries, all nestled in soft, custardy French bread. Perfectly soaked overnight and baked to a golden finish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare ahead of time and sure to impress family and guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
  • Butter or non-stick spray for greasing

Instructions

  1. Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking. Add half of the cubed French bread evenly to the dish.
  2. Make cheesecake mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
  3. Layer cream cheese and raspberry preserves: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Then add spoonfuls of raspberry preserves on top. If using, sprinkle fresh raspberries evenly over this layer for added texture and flavor.
  4. Add remaining bread: Top the layered mixture with the remaining bread cubes, pressing down gently to compact the layers slightly for even soaking.
  5. Prepare custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream until fully blended and smooth.
  6. Soak the casserole: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the assembled casserole, making sure all the bread cubes are thoroughly soaked. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.
  7. Preheat oven and rest: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
  8. Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the center should be set but still moist.
  9. Finish and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before dusting the top with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this rich and fruity breakfast delight.

Notes

  • For best texture and flavor, soak the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Using day-old or slightly stale French bread helps absorb custard better without becoming too soggy.
  • Fresh raspberries are optional but add a nice burst of freshness and texture.
  • Powdered sugar garnish is optional but adds a pretty finishing touch.
  • You can substitute whole milk with a lower-fat milk if preferred, but the casserole may be less rich.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to mix smoothly without lumps.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://sweetindulgencescakes.com/raspberry-cheesecake-french-toast-casserole-recipe/