Name: Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
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

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A rich and creamy baked French toast casserole swirled with tangy raspberry preserves and sweetened cream cheese—perfect for brunch or special mornings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole combines the best of two beloved breakfast treats into one show-stopping dish. The sweet and tangy cream cheese paired with vibrant raspberry preserves creates a delightful flavor profile that's reminiscent of cheesecake but in a comforting breakfast format. What makes this recipe truly special is its make-ahead nature—prepare it the night before and simply bake it in the morning for a stress-free yet impressive breakfast or brunch. The contrast between the crispy golden top and the soft, custard-like interior makes every bite a perfect balance of textures. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, planning a special weekend breakfast, or looking to treat your family to something extraordinary, this casserole delivers both convenience and indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

French bread serves as the foundation of this casserole, soaking up the custard mixture while maintaining enough structure to give the dish its satisfying texture. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs more moisture without becoming soggy.

Cream cheese brings that signature cheesecake element to the dish, creating rich, creamy pockets throughout the casserole that melt in your mouth. Make sure it's fully softened for the smoothest consistency.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cream cheese mixture without being overwhelming, allowing the other flavors to shine through. You can adjust slightly to taste depending on your preference.

Vanilla extract adds a warm aromatic note that complements both the cream cheese and the raspberries. Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor.

Eggs work as the binding agent in the custard base, giving the casserole its structure and rich, pudding-like consistency when baked.

Whole milk creates the base of the custard that transforms the bread into a tender, moist texture. For best results, don't substitute with lower-fat alternatives.

Heavy cream enriches the custard mixture, adding that special decadence that makes this dish feel like a true treat. It contributes to the silky, luscious mouthfeel of the finished casserole.

Raspberry preserves provide concentrated berry flavor and beautiful swirls of color throughout the casserole. The slight tanginess balances the rich cream cheese perfectly.

Fresh raspberries, while optional, add bursts of bright flavor and texture to contrast with the creamy elements. They also make the casserole even more visually appealing.

Powdered sugar is a simple finishing touch that adds a touch of additional sweetness and an elegant presentation.

Directions

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Add half the bread cubes to the dish.
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the bread in the dish, followed by spoonfuls of raspberry preserves. Sprinkle with fresh raspberries if using.
Top with the remaining bread cubes, gently pressing down.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream. Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure all the bread is soaked.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Servings and Timing

This Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole serves 8 people generously. It's perfect for a family breakfast or brunch gathering.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Chilling Time: At least 4 hours or overnight
Total Active Time: 1 hour

Each serving contains approximately 310 calories, making it a special but not overly indulgent breakfast option.

Variations

Berry Medley: Replace the raspberry preserves with mixed berry preserves and use a combination of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful twist.

Lemon Raspberry: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy complement to the raspberries.

Chocolate Raspberry: Sprinkle ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips between the layers for a decadent chocolate-raspberry combination.

Almond Accent: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the custard mixture and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Maple Cinnamon: Replace the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup in the custard mixture and add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor profile.

Coconut Raspberry: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut between the layers and sprinkle more on top for a tropical twist.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it's completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.

Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling, cut into individual portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. To reheat the entire casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes.

Make-Ahead Tips: This dish is designed to be assembled ahead of time. You can prepare it up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for holiday mornings or when hosting guests.

Freshness Indicators: The casserole should be discarded if it develops an off smell or shows signs of mold. When properly stored, the texture remains delicious, though the top will lose some of its crispness after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?

Yes, while French bread is traditional, you can substitute brioche, challah, or even cinnamon-raisin bread for different flavor profiles. The key is using a bread that's sturdy enough to hold up to the custard without completely falling apart.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole before baking?

The refrigeration period is important as it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture. While a minimum of 4 hours is recommended, overnight is ideal. If you're in a pinch, ensure at least 2 hours of soaking time.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and a coconut cream substitute for the heavy cream. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Why is my casserole soggy in the middle?

This could be due to insufficient baking time. The center should be set but still moist - not liquid. Every oven is different, so you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work well, though they may release more liquid. There's no need to thaw them before adding to the casserole.

What can I serve with this casserole to make it a complete brunch?

This dish pairs beautifully with savory sides like a simple green salad, or fresh fruit. For beverages, coffee, mimosas, or a sparkling raspberry lemonade would complement it nicely.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the cream cheese mixture by up to half without significantly affecting the texture. You might also choose preserves labeled "less sugar" or "fruit-sweetened" for a less sweet option.

What if I don't have raspberry preserves?

Any berry preserves will work wonderfully - strawberry, blackberry, or mixed berry preserves make excellent substitutes. You could even try peach or apricot preserves for a different flavor profile.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds would add a delightful crunch. Sprinkle them over the top during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Is this casserole suitable for a crowd?

Yes! The recipe can easily be doubled for a larger gathering. Use two 9x13 pans rather than one larger pan to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

This Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole brings together the comfort of traditional French toast with the indulgence of cheesecake and the bright flavor of raspberries. It's the perfect solution for those special morning occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and make-ahead nature - prepare it the night before, and you'll wake up ready to simply pop it in the oven for a stress-free yet spectacular breakfast.

The contrasting textures of crisp golden top, creamy cheesecake swirls, and soft custard-soaked bread create a truly satisfying eating experience. Whether you're hosting a holiday brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply wanting to elevate your weekend breakfast routine, this casserole delivers both convenience and that "wow" factor that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Most importantly, it brings people together around the table to enjoy a homemade meal that feels both special and comforting - and isn't that what the best recipes are all about?