Ina Garten Raspberry French Toast – A Make-Ahead Brunch Favorite

Looking for a crowd-pleasing brunch recipe that’s as elegant as it is effortless? Ina Garten’s Raspberry French Toast is a baked, custard-style dish that layers rich challah bread with tart-sweet raspberries, all soaked in a vanilla-scented custard and finished with a golden crust. Best of all, it can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning—perfect for holidays or weekend guests.

It’s sweet, creamy, fruity, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Lemon Meringue Pie
• Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake
• Barefoot Contessa Irish Soda Bread
• Ina Garten Spring Green Spaghetti Carbonara

What Is Ina Garten’s Raspberry French Toast?

This recipe is a baked French toast casserole made with thick slices of bread layered with fresh raspberries and soaked in a creamy custard. It’s prepared in advance and baked until puffed and golden. The result is a warm, custardy center with crispy edges and bursts of juicy raspberry in every bite.

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Raspberry French Toast

• Perfect make-ahead dish – Ideal for stress-free mornings
• Elegant enough for guests – Beautiful presentation and flavor
• Sweet and tart balance – Raspberries add brightness
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved – Loved by all ages
• Versatile – Serve as breakfast, brunch, or even dessert
• Customizable – Switch fruits or bread types
• Effortless baking – No flipping or frying like classic French toast

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Raspberry French Toast

• 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, sliced ¾-inch thick
• 1½ cups fresh raspberries (plus extra for serving)
• 8 large eggs
• 2½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional, for brightness)
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for garnish
• Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Raspberry French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the baking dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Arrange half of the bread slices in a single layer.

Step 2: Add raspberries

Sprinkle half of the raspberries evenly over the bread layer. Top with the remaining bread, followed by the rest of the raspberries.

Step 3: Make the custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, orange zest (if using), and salt until fully combined.

Step 4: Pour and soak

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and berries. Press the bread down gently to help it soak. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Bake until golden

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until puffed, set in the center, and golden on top.

Step 6: Cool and serve

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm with fresh raspberries and maple syrup on the side.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Raspberry French Toast

• Fresh fruit salad – Lightens the richness of the dish
• Crisp bacon or sausage – Adds savory contrast
• Whipped cream or mascarpone – A creamy topping option
• Vanilla or berry compote – For extra fruit flavor
• Fresh orange juice or mimosa – Bright and brunchy pairing
• Greek yogurt with honey – For a tangy, cooling side
• Herbal tea or strong coffee – Complements the sweetness

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Raspberry French Toast

• Use day-old bread – Absorbs custard better and prevents sogginess
• Don’t skip overnight chilling – Deepens flavor and improves texture
• Use fresh berries if possible – For the best color and juiciness
• Let sit before baking – Helps the custard distribute evenly
• Cover loosely if browning too fast – Use foil in the last 10 minutes
• Check doneness in center – Should be set, not liquid
• Serve immediately – Best enjoyed warm out of the oven

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Raspberry French Toast

• Swap raspberries for blueberries or blackberries – Adjusts the flavor
• Add chocolate chips between layers – For a dessert-like twist
• Use cinnamon raisin bread – Brings extra warmth and sweetness
• Top with almond slices before baking – Adds crunch
• Add a swirl of cream cheese filling – For cheesecake vibes
• Make it dairy-free – Use almond milk and coconut cream
• Drizzle with lemon glaze – For a zesty finish

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Raspberry French Toast

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container – Best within 2–3 days
• Wrap the baking dish tightly if storing whole – Keeps it moist
• Freeze slices individually – Wrap well, then store in freezer bags
• Thaw in the fridge overnight – Before reheating
• Avoid storing with syrup added – Add fresh when serving

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Raspberry French Toast

• Oven: 325°F for 10–15 minutes – Best method for even heating
• Microwave individual slices – 30–60 seconds, covered
• Add a splash of milk before reheating – Keeps it moist
• Reheat from frozen in oven – Add 10 extra minutes
• Avoid overbaking on reheat – Can dry out the custard texture

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 290mg

A decadent brunch dish that offers a satisfying balance of creamy, fruity, and crispy textures.

FAQs

Can I make raspberry French toast the night before?

Yes, raspberry French toast can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking the next morning for even cooking.

Can I use frozen raspberries in baked French toast?

You can use frozen raspberries, but don’t thaw them first. Add them directly to the dish to prevent excess moisture from making the French toast soggy.

How do you keep baked French toast from being soggy?

To prevent sogginess, use day-old bread and allow the custard to soak in thoroughly. Also, bake uncovered and ensure the center is fully set before removing from the oven.

What bread is best for raspberry French toast?

Challah or brioche are ideal choices. These rich, slightly sweet breads hold their shape well and absorb the custard without falling apart.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Raspberry French Toast is the ultimate make-ahead brunch dish. It’s easy to prep, bakes beautifully, and delivers big flavor without stress. Whether you’re serving guests or just treating your family to something special, this recipe adds warmth and elegance to any morning.

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