Description
A rich and creamy baked French toast casserole swirled with tangy raspberry preserves and sweetened cream cheese—perfect for brunch or special mornings.
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
- 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.
Notes
- Fresh raspberries can be omitted if unavailable.
- Refrigerating overnight helps the casserole absorb the liquids better.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Ideal for make-ahead breakfasts or holiday brunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 138 mg