Raspberry Swirl Cream Cheese French Toast Bake Everyone Will Love

Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of warm, baked French toast, swirled with luscious raspberry and creamy cheese. This Raspberry Swirl Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is the perfect way to start a weekend morning or celebrate a special occasion. It combines the soft, custardy texture of classic French toast with the tart sweetness of fresh raspberries and the smooth richness of cream cheese. Inspired by family brunch traditions and the love of homemade desserts, this recipe turns a simple breakfast into a decadent treat everyone will rave about. Whether it’s a holiday morning, a lazy Sunday, or a cozy gathering, this bake promises to bring joy and flavor to the table.

Ingredients

For the French Toast Bake:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Raspberry Swirl:

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves

• 1-2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

4. Assemble the Bake: Pour half of the custard over the bread cubes. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese over the bread and then add half of the raspberries. Pour the remaining custard over the top.

5. Create the Raspberry Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the raspberry jam with water until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the custard and use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently into the mixture.

6. Make the Topping: In another bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the French toast bake.

7. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the custard is set and the topping is golden brown.

8. Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 55 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Yield: 8–10 servings

Notes

• Bread Choices: Brioche or challah works best for a soft and rich texture. Day-old bread absorbs custard better.

• Raspberry Options: Fresh or frozen raspberries can be used. If using frozen, do not thaw to avoid extra moisture.

• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning for a stress-free brunch.

• Topping Variations: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for extra crunch.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Raspberry Swirl Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is more than just breakfast—it’s an experience. Each bite combines soft, custardy bread with a sweet-tart raspberry swirl and the indulgent creaminess of cheese. The crumbly topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior. Perfect for entertaining, a family brunch, or simply treating yourself on a quiet morning, this bake is sure to become a go-to recipe. Its visual appeal also makes it ideal for serving at holiday breakfasts, baby showers, or celebratory brunches.

Tips for the Perfect Bake

• Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Even Cubes: Cutting the bread into uniform cubes ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout.

• Custard Soak Time: Let the bread soak for at least 10 minutes before baking for maximum flavor absorption. For overnight prep, cover and refrigerate to allow the custard to fully penetrate the bread.

• Swirl Technique: Use a gentle swirling motion with a knife or skewer for a marbled effect—don’t overmix or the colors will blend too much.

• Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean and the custard is set, your bake is ready.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this French toast bake with:

• Fresh raspberries or a mixed berry medley

• Maple syrup or honey drizzle

• Powdered sugar dusting for a fancy touch

• Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence

• Chopped nuts for added texture

Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or fresh fruit juice for a complete brunch experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! Frozen raspberries work wonderfully in this French toast bake. There’s no need to thaw them before adding—they retain their shape and color better when used directly from the freezer. Adding frozen raspberries also prevents the custard from becoming overly watery, which can sometimes happen with thawed fruit. Simply sprinkle the frozen berries over the cream cheese dollops before pouring the remaining custard over the bread. During baking, the berries will naturally release their juices, creating a beautiful swirl of tart raspberry flavor throughout the custard, giving each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Using frozen berries also allows you to enjoy this recipe year-round, even when fresh raspberries aren’t in season.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Raspberry Swirl Cream Cheese French Toast Bake can be stored easily. Place any uneaten portions in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy it warm again, you can reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the topping from browning too much. Alternatively, a quick reheat in the microwave works well for individual portions—microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through. This makes the dish perfect for meal prep or for enjoying as a quick breakfast on busy mornings. Leftovers can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for snacks or brunch.

3. Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! This recipe is adaptable for those avoiding dairy or following a vegan diet. Replace the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative, such as cashew or almond-based cream cheese. Swap the milk and heavy cream with oat, almond, or soy milk. For the eggs, you can use a flax or chia egg substitute—combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water per egg and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly compared to the traditional version, but it will still be creamy, flavorful, and completely satisfying. Even without dairy, this French toast bake maintains its indulgent feel, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday breakfasts.

4. Can I add other fruits or flavors?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly versatile. You can swap in blueberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries in place of raspberries. Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest will brighten the flavor, while a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon adds warmth. For a richer twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the custard before baking. You can also mix in toasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added texture. This flexibility allows you to customize the French toast bake to suit seasonal fruits, personal taste preferences, or whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a truly crowd-pleasing dish.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a cozy family breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or a weekend treat, the Raspberry Swirl Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a recipe that delights both the eyes and the taste buds. Its combination of sweet raspberries, rich cream cheese, and soft, custardy bread, topped with a golden crumbly finish, makes every bite a comforting indulgence. Easy to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and endlessly adaptable, this bake is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Give this recipe a try, and watch as it becomes the centerpiece of your morning gatherings, creating memories that are as sweet as the dish itself.

Raspberry Swirl Cream Cheese French Toast Bake Everyone Will Love

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

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Description

Start your morning with a decadent, cozy breakfast that everyone will adore. This Raspberry Swirl Cream Cheese French Toast Bake combines soft, custardy bread with creamy cheesecake and sweet-tart raspberry swirls. Perfect for family brunches, holiday mornings, or a special weekend treat, it’s easy to make ahead and always impressive on the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves

• 1–2 tbsp water (to thin raspberry jam, if needed)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread bread cubes evenly in the dish.

• Beat cream cheese until smooth and set aside.

• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until combined.

• Pour half of the custard over the bread cubes. Dollop cream cheese over the bread and sprinkle half of the raspberries. Pour the remaining custard over the top.

• Mix raspberry jam with water until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the custard and gently swirl with a knife or skewer.

• Combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly and sprinkle over the bake.

• Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until custard is set and topping is golden.

• Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra raspberries or powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

• Use slightly stale bread for best custard absorption.

• Fresh or frozen raspberries work; frozen maintain shape better.

• Make-ahead: assemble overnight and refrigerate for a quick morning bake.

• Topping variations: add chopped nuts for crunch.

• Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes

Michelle Davis