Print

Cozy Make-Ahead Overnight Raspberry French Toast Bake

overnight raspberry french toast bake - featured image

A comforting and easy make-ahead French toast bake featuring custard-soaked day-old bread and fresh or frozen raspberries, perfect for stress-free mornings and cozy breakfasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably sourdough or challah)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65 g)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Butter for greasing the baking dish
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups (around 400 grams) of day-old bread into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Place cubes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  3. Gently fold 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries into the custard mixture, taking care not to crush them.
  4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish. Press the bread gently down into the custard to ensure all pieces soak up the liquid.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  6. Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Bake covered with foil for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
  8. Let the bake cool for 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar (optional) and serving.

Notes

Use day-old or stale bread for best texture. Gently fold in raspberries to avoid crushing and turning the custard pink. Cover while baking to keep moisture locked in. Let the bake rest before serving for cleaner slices. Powdered sugar dusting after baking adds sweetness without overpowering the raspberries. Can substitute bread and milk for gluten-free or dairy-free versions. Overnight soaking is key for custardy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast bake, raspberry French toast, make-ahead breakfast, easy brunch recipe, custard soaked bread, cozy breakfast