Indulge in a breakfast experience like no other with our Mascarpone and Raspberry French Toast Strata! This delectable dish combines the creamy richness of mascarpone cheese with the vibrant sweetness of fresh raspberries, all enveloped in fluffy, custardy bread. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family breakfast, this recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds—it's a feast for the eyes! With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning centerpiece that will leave your guests begging for the recipe. Ready to elevate your brunch game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering creation!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (cubed)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 2 cups raspberries
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your French toast strata bakes evenly and becomes perfectly golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk the mixture until it is well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
- Next, take the loaf of bread and cut it into cubes. You can use any type of bread you prefer, such as brioche, challah, or even a hearty whole grain bread. Place the cubed bread into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. Gently stir to combine, allowing the bread to soak up the custard mixture. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the bread is soaking, prepare your raspberries. If using fresh raspberries, rinse them gently under cold water and pat them dry. If using frozen raspberries, there’s no need to thaw them.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the soaked bread mixture evenly across the bottom. Then, sprinkle half of the mascarpone cheese in dollops over the bread. Follow this with half of the raspberries, distributing them evenly.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining bread mixture, mascarpone cheese, and raspberries. Finish with any remaining dollops of mascarpone on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the strata from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strata is set in the center.
- Once baked, remove the strata from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut.
- Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup for added sweetness. Enjoy your delicious Mascarpone and Raspberry French Toast Strata!
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best texture, opt for a rich bread like brioche or challah. These types absorb the custard beautifully and provide a delightful flavor.
- Let It Soak: Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy consistency throughout the strata.
- Layer Generously: Don’t skimp on the mascarpone and raspberries! Layering them evenly ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Cover While Baking: Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first half of baking prevents the top from browning too quickly, allowing the strata to cook evenly.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your strata warm. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup adds an extra touch of sweetness that complements the dish perfectly.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the strata the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 210mg
