Baked Raspberry French Toast

A Cheesecake-Inspired, Berry-Topped Brunch Classic

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the aroma of sweet custard-soaked brioche, tart bursts of raspberries, and a golden streusel crust, then this Baked Raspberry French Toast is your dream come true. With hints of cheesecake filling, this decadent breakfast casserole turns everyday ingredients into a brunch masterpiece.

Whether you call it a Raspberry French Toast Recipe, Raspberry French Toast Strata, ou Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole, one thing is for sure: it will become your new brunch favorite.

🥖 What Is Baked French Toast?

Unlike traditional French toast that’s pan-fried, baked French toast is assembled in a casserole dish and baked in the oven, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead. It combines everything you love about French toast—creamy custard, crispy edges, and sweet toppings—without the need to stand over a hot stove.

This version is extra special. It layers rich bread with a cheesecake-style filling, sweet custard, and tangy raspberries, then finishes with a cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for:

• Weekend brunches
• Holidays
• Potlucks
• Baby or bridal showers

🍓 Why You’ll Love This Raspberry French Toast Recipe

• Berry Delicious – Loaded with juicy raspberries that balance the rich custard.
• Faz Frente – Assemble it the night before and simply bake in the morning.
• Cheesecake Layer – Cream cheese filling gives it a dessert-like twist.
• Crispy + Custardy – The top bakes golden while the inside stays soft and creamy.
• Personalizável – Works with any berries, and even chocolate or nuts.

🛒 Ingredients

For the French Toast Base:

• 1 loaf (14–16 oz) brioche, challah, ou French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 ½ cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 8 large ovos
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup creme de leite
• ½ cup açúcar granulado
• 2 teaspoons de extrato de baunilha
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, enhances raspberry flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon sal

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz creme de queijo, softened
• ¼ cup açúcar granulado
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon de extrato de baunilha

For the Streusel Topping:

• ¼ cup açúcar mascavo
• 2 tablespoons todos-propósito farinha
• 2 tablespoons manteiga sem sal, cold and diced
• 1 teaspoon canela
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans, sliced almonds, ou crushed graham crackers

Opcional Guarnições:

• Extra raspberries
• Maple syrup ou raspberry compote
• Chantilly
• Açúcar de confeiteiro

👩‍🍳 How to Make Baked Raspberry French Toast

Passo 1: Preparar o Pão

Use slightly stale bread for best results—it holds up better. Cube the brioche or challah and spread half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the raspberries.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop dollops of this filling evenly over the bread and berries in the dish.

Layer the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the remaining raspberries.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon zest, and salt. Pour slowly over the layered bread, making sure to saturate everything. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread soak up the custard.

Step 4: Chill Overnight

Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step allows the bread to absorb all the custard, ensuring that pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 5: Prepare the Streusel

In the morning, make the streusel by combining brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a fork or your fingers to work the butter in until crumbly. Stir in optional nuts or crushed graham crackers.

Sprinkle evenly over the French toast before baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If it starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil halfway through.

Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. The texture sets as it cools slightly, making slicing easier.

🍽 How to Serve This Berry-Topped French Toast Recipe

Serve warm with your favorite toppings. Here are some delicious ideas:

• A drizzle of maple syrup
• A dusting of powdered sugar
• Fresh whipped cream
• Homemade raspberry compote (just cook raspberries with a splash of water and sugar until syrupy!)
• Extra frutas frescas on top for brightness

Pair with:

• Scrambled eggs or quiche for savory contrast
• Bacon or sausage
• Mimosas or fresh juice

🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven.

O reaquecimento:

• Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave slices for 1–2 minutes.

🔁 Recipe Variations

1. Mixed Berry French Toast

Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a beautiful mixed berry casserole.

2. Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast

Add mini chocolate chips and drizzle with chocolate sauce for a dessert-style brunch.

3. Raspberry Lemon French Toast

Use lemon zest and a lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) for a citrusy twist.

4. Nutty Delight

Top with crushed pecans, almonds, or walnuts for crunch and richness.

5. Vegan Raspberry French Toast Bake

Use plant-based milk, coconut cream, and egg replacers like flax eggs. Swap cream cheese for vegan cream cheese.

💡 Expert Tips for the Best French Toast

• Use the right bread: Brioche and challah are ideal—they’re rich, absorbent, and don’t get mushy.
• Don’t skip chilling: The overnight soak ensures that custard reaches every crumb.
• Adjust sweetness: Raspberries are tart—taste and adjust the sugar if needed.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread and certified GF ingredients for a celiac-friendly dish.

🎉 When to Make This Baked French Toast

Este raspberry recipes showstopper is perfect for:

• Christmas or Easter brunch
• Mother’s Day or birthdays
• Weekend sleepovers or lazy Sundays
• Baby and bridal showers
• Potlucks, church gatherings, and breakfast-for-dinner nights

❤️ What Readers Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole was the highlight of our brunch! Everyone asked for the recipe. The cheesecake layer is genius!” —Emily L.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made this as an overnight French toast and it saved me so much morning stress. Perfect texture and flavor. Definitely adding to my holiday rotation!” —Brian K.

📌 Save This Recipe

Este Raspberry French Toast Strata is one you’ll want to revisit again and again. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, it’s the kind of recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but it’s secretly super easy.

📎 Recipe Recap: Baked Raspberry French Toast

🍴 More Raspberry Recipes You’ll Love

• Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars
• Lemon Raspberry Muffins
• White Chocolate Raspberry Scones
• Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Pastries
• Raspberry Chia Seed Jam

These dishes are perfect companions to your Baked Raspberry French Toast, especially for building an Instagram-worthy brunch spread.

📢 Final Thoughts

In the world of best French toast recipes, this Baked Raspberry French Toast truly reigns supreme. It’s rich, creamy, fruity, and so easy to pull together. With layers of custard-soaked brioche, bursts of raspberry, cheesecake-like filling, and golden baked edges, it’s a flavor-packed casserole your guests will never forget.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect overnight French toast, berry-topped French toast recipe, or a dish that doubles as breakfast e dessert—this is it.