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Raspberry Mascarpone French Toast Casserole

posted by Liz Berg on April 16, 2017 (updated 8/16/23)

Raspberry Mascarpone French Toast Casserole is filled with luscious red raspberries and mascarpone for a delightful addition to your menu.

I love the ease of a make-ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe, especially for weekend company or holidays.

Raspberry Mascarpone French Toast Casserole slice on a square white plate.

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 Recipe Tips

3 How to Serve

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 You May Also Like:

6 Raspberry Mascarpone French Toast Casserole Recipe

Why You Must Make

Beginning in the early days of our marriage, Bill would tease that a more loving wife would prepare a nice hot breakfast before work (ahem, his alarm goes off at 5 AM). I’d laugh and roll my eyes, but sometimes I do pamper him. Make ahead breakfasts are perfect for those early risers!

This overnight French toast stuffed with raspberries was one such treat. Layered with challah cubes, dollops of sweetened mascarpone, and fresh berries, then doused with a rich custard, this French toast was one delightful way to start the morning!
Being able to prep this breakfast casserole the day before makes for an easy, impressive breakfast or brunch where the cook doesn’t have to break a sweat.
It’s the perfect way to use up stale bread!! In fact, you want to use day old bread for the best results.
If you’re having special overnight company, whip up some Grand Marnier Mimosas and make it a memorable meal!

Overhead view of raspberry mascarpone French toast.

Recipe Tips

Sweet or savory, overnight breakfast casseroles are huge time savers for when you have overnight guests or a big holiday brunch to prepare. Here are a few hints if you have not made one of these breakfast dishes that can be prepped the night before.

Overnight French toast casseroles and breakfast strata are often made with a base of bread cubes. PRO-Tip: Make sure to use stale bread or dry it out yourself by cutting it into cubes and spreading it out in one layer on a baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until it dries out.
Make sure your custard mixture is well mixed for the best consistency. I beat my eggs first, then add the milk and cream and whisk until they’re combined.
Spread your bread and other ingredients evenly in your casserole dish, then pour on the custard. Start by pouring in half the custard, let it soak in, and then add the rest. I like to use my spatula to press on the surface so that it’s all a similar depth.
Cover well with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake the next morning.
Before baking, let the casserole rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take the chill off.
PRO-Tip: You can actually make and serve this “overnight” French toast casserole on the same day you assemble it. Just let the custard soak into the bread for 30 minutes, pressing down on it occasionally to encourage the custard to infuse into the bread. Bake for 10-15 minutes less. The casserole may not puff up quite as high as when assembled the day before, but it will still be a tasty breakfast treat.
You can reheat the leftovers of this easy breakfast casserole recipe very simply. Gently heat individual servings in the microwave. Or cover the casserole with foil and place the dish in a 300° oven until heated through 20-30 minutes.

Raspberry Mascarpone French Toast Casserole on a white plate with a drizzle of maple syrup.

How to Serve

Although maple syrup is an obvious, go-to topping for a baked French toast recipe, there are a few other options. Spread on a little butter while warm, then add your favorites.

Fresh berries or berry sauces and syrups
A dusting of powdered sugar
Whipped Cream
Honey
Cinnamon sugar
Coconut flakes
Toasted, chopped nuts
Lemon Curd

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kinds of Bread Work Best?

You’ll want a sturdy loaf of bread for this overnight French toast. Brioche, challah, French bread, or a Pullman loaf will work well. Sliced white sandwich bread will get too soggy after being soaked in the custard, so look for a heartier bread.

Why Is My Casserole Soggy?

If there is too much liquid for the amount of bread, the baked casserole can be soggy. Other causes include using a flimsy type of bread or fresh instead of dried or stale bread.

Can You Freeze a French Toast Casserole?

Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months if wrapped well in plastic, then foil. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

Can You Use Other Fruit?

Yes, any favorite berries would work beautifully like blueberries, blackberries or even sliced strawberries. If you’d like to try apples, sprinkle them with sugar and cook in butter until soft. They won’t cook completely if added to the casserole raw.