Quick & Divine Barefoot Contessa Raspberry Baked French Toast Recipe

Barefoot contessa raspberry baked french toast transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary morning celebration of flavor and comfort.

Luxurious bread soaks up a rich, creamy custard that promises indulgence in every single bite.

Sweet, tangy raspberries nestle between layers of soft, pillowy goodness, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

Weekend mornings deserve something special that feels both elegant and homey.

The magic happens when simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, yielding maximum deliciousness.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dish elevates breakfast from mundane to memorable.

Fun Spins on Raspberry Baked French Toast

• Berry Blend Adventure: Swap raspberries with a mix of blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a vibrant, multi-berry experience that bursts with color and flavor.
• Tropical Sunrise Remix: Replace raspberries with diced mangoes and add a sprinkle of coconut flakes. Drizzle with passion fruit syrup for a tropical breakfast sensation.
• Nutty Caramel Charm: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between bread layers and drizzle with a light caramel sauce before baking. This version adds crunch and rich, sweet undertones to the classic recipe.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Scatter dark chocolate chips between bread layers and use chocolate milk instead of half-and-half. Top with a chocolate ganache after baking for an indulgent breakfast treat.

Closing Thoughts on Raspberry Baked French Toast

Raspberry-kissed French toast emerges as breakfast royalty, blending Ina Garten’s signature elegance with comforting morning magic.

Culinary artistry transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious morning celebration.

Mediterranean-inspired orange zest whispers sophistication across each golden-crusted slice.

Raspberries scatter ruby jewels through creamy custard-soaked bread, creating sensory poetry.

Maple syrup cascades alongside this breakfast masterpiece, promising pure indulgence.

Passionate cooks and breakfast enthusiasts: snap a photo, share your delicious dish, and spread sweet morning joy across social media platforms—your delightful rendition awaits eager likes and comments.

Adore Raspberry Baked French Toast

• Indulge in Overnight Comfort: This make-ahead breakfast casserole lets you prep the night before, giving you stress-free morning magic without early kitchen chaos.
• Burst of Seasonal Freshness: Juicy raspberries scattered throughout create vibrant pockets of fruity flavor, transforming a classic French toast into a bright, summery breakfast experience.
• Luxurious Custardy Texture: The rich half-and-half and egg mixture creates an incredibly creamy, soft interior with a perfectly golden, slightly crispy top that melts in your mouth with each heavenly bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Elegance: Perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or special occasions, this recipe looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen, when it's actually super simple to prepare.

Key Picks for Raspberry Baked French Toast

• Eggs: Rich protein source, providing structure and custard base.
• Half-and-Half: Creamy liquid creating luxurious texture and adding richness.
• Butter: For greasing dish and adding subtle flavor.

• Bread: Preferably day-old or slightly stale for better absorption of custard.
• Raspberries: Fresh, ripe berries adding natural sweetness and bright color.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Providing sweetness and caramelization.
• Vanilla: Classic extract enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Orange Zest: Bright citrus notes adding depth and freshness.
• Salt: Balancing and intensifying other flavors.
• Icing Sugar: For elegant final dusting.
• Maple Syrup: Optional serving accompaniment for additional sweetness.

A Quick Guide to Raspberry Baked French Toast

Step 1: Prep the Baking Vessel

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Luxurious Custard Base

• Eggs
• Half-and-half
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh orange zest
• Pinch of salt

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Layer Flavor Foundations

Carefully arrange first bread layer across the buttered dish.

Distribute fresh raspberries evenly over bread slices.

Top with remaining bread pieces.

Gently pour custard mixture over entire surface.

Press bread lightly to encourage liquid absorption.

Sprinkle additional sugar across top.

Cover and refrigerate for minimum one hour.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Position baking dish on standard baking tray.

Bake for 60-70 minutes until puffy and golden brown.

Monitor after 45 minutes – tent with aluminum foil if browning too quickly.

Step 5: Elegant Finishing Touches

Allow dish to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven.

Dust generously with powdered sugar.

Garnish with extra orange zest.

Serve warm alongside maple syrup.

Top Hints for Raspberry Baked French Toast

• Choose Stale Bread: Opt for day-old challah or brioche to create the perfect texture that absorbs custard without becoming soggy.
• Prep Ahead Magic: Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and simplifying morning breakfast preparation.
• Berry Flexibility: Swap raspberries with blueberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend to customize your baked French toast.
• Baking Precision: Watch for a centre that's set but slightly soft, indicating perfect doneness – extend baking time if the dish looks too wet.
• Serve Fresh: Enjoy warm directly from the oven, garnishing with extra fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Store Raspberry Baked French Toast with Ease

• Freezer: Seal individual slices in vacuum-sealed bags to preserve maximum flavor and texture. Protect each portion with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Label packages with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Fridge: Transfer cooled french toast to a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Stack pieces carefully, separating layers with wax paper to maintain crispness. Consume within 48 hours for optimal taste and quality.
• Counter: Let leftover french toast cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture. Keep at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.

Barefoot Contessa Raspberry Baked French Toast Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s raspberry baked French toast delivers a luxurious breakfast experience with layers of rich, custardy bread and sweet raspberry swirls. Elegant yet simple, this dish promises a delightful morning treat you’ll savor from first bite to last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Main Dairy Ingredients:

• 10 large eggs
• 700 milliliters (2 ¾ cups) half-and-half (or mix of double cream & whole milk)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 75 grams (⅓ cup) granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons extra
• 75 grams (⅓ cup) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest, plus extra for serving
• Icing sugar, for dusting
• Maple syrup, for serving

Bread and Fruit:

• 10 cups (about 250 grams) day-old challah or brioche, diced (1-inch pieces)
• 340 grams (12 ounces) fresh raspberries
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by generously coating a 23×33 centimeters (9×13-inch) ceramic or glass dish with soft unsalted butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Create the luxurious custard mixture by whisking together fresh eggs, velvety half-and-half, 75 grams () of granulated sugar, rich brown sugar, pure vanilla extract, fragrant orange zest, and a pinch of sea salt until smoothly combined.
3. Layer the bread foundation by placing half of the torn bread pieces evenly across the buttered dish, distribute fresh raspberries in a uniform single layer, then cover with remaining bread pieces to create a delicate multi-layered structure.
4. Pour the prepared custard mixture slowly over the bread layers, gently pressing down with a spatula to help bread absorb the liquid thoroughly, ensuring complete saturation.
5. Sprinkle an additional of granulated sugar across the surface for caramelization, then carefully cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit), with fan settings at 160 degrees Celsius if applicable, positioning an oven rack in the middle position.
7. Remove the chilled dish from refrigerator, place on a sturdy baking tray to catch potential drips, and slide into preheated oven.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, monitoring after 45 minutes and covering loosely with aluminum foil if browning occurs too quickly, until the pudding becomes puffed and develops a golden-brown exterior.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes, then delicately dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle additional fresh orange zest for aromatic garnish.
10. Serve warm, accompanied by pure maple syrup drizzled elegantly over the top, creating a decadent breakfast or dessert experience.

Notes

• Stale bread absorbs the creamy custard, creating a richer texture compared to fresh loaves.
• Overnight chilling allows flavors to meld, transforming this dish into a make-ahead breakfast dream.
• Gentle baking ensures a custardy centre with a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
• Mixed berries add vibrant color and burst of freshness when raspberries aren’t available.
• Advance preparation saves precious morning time, letting you enjoy stress-free weekend brunches.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 404 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 273 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 321 mg