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Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Cream Cheese Mixture
Cube the Bread:
Cut the large loaf of white bread into cubes and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, lemon zest, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Add the Raspberries:
Gently fold in the fresh raspberries into the cream cheese mixture.
Step 2: Assemble the French Toast Bake
Layer the Bread and Cream Cheese Mixture:
Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Spoon dollops of the cream cheese and raspberry mixture over the bread.
Top with the remaining cubed bread, spreading it out evenly.
Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ⅓ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until well combined.
Pour the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese mixture in the baking dish.
Step 3: Chill and Bake
Chill the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake:
Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 4: Serve
Cool Slightly:
Allow the French toast bake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serve:
Serve warm, with additional fresh raspberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
Bread: Day-old bread works best for this recipe as it absorbs the egg mixture more effectively.
Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Variations:
Berry Mix:
Use a mix of berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries for a different flavor.
Nutty French Toast Bake:
Add ½ cup of chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate Raspberry:
Sprinkle ½ cup of chocolate chips between the layers for a chocolatey twist.
Gluten-Free Version:
Use gluten-free bread to make the recipe gluten-free.
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