Lemon Raspberry Almond French Toast Bake

Serves: 6–8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill overnight + Bake in the morning
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 12g
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Sugars: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 230mg
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 2mg
Vitamin C: 8% DV

How To Make Lemon Raspberry Almond French Toast Bake

Ingredients:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 5–6 cups)
- 1 ½ cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (plus extra for topping)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
Custard:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk (or use part cream for richness)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping:
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional glaze: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp lemon juice

Step-by-Step Guide
1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread half the cubed bread in the dish.

Scatter half the raspberries and sliced almonds on top.

Repeat with remaining bread, berries, and almonds.

2. Make the custard: Whisk together eggs, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, lemon zest, and salt (plus lemon juice if using).
3. Pour custard evenly over the bread and berries.
Press down slightly to soak.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Let the bread soak up all that lemony goodness.

5. In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix 2 tbsp sugar with a bit of lemon zest and sprinkle it over the top, along with a few extra sliced almonds.
6. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until puffed, golden, and set in the center.

7. Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A:Yes!
Brioche and challah are ideal for their richness, but French bread or even croissants (for an extra indulgent version) work well.
Avoid overly soft sandwich bread, which can get mushy.
Q: Can I use frozen raspberries?
A: Absolutely.
No need to thaw them first—just add them frozen.
This helps them hold their shape and prevents bleeding into the custard.
Q: Can I prep and freeze this?
A: Yes, assemble the bake, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 1 month.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes.
Use dairy-free milk (like almond or oat), a plant-based yogurt, and make sure your bread is dairy-free.
The custard will still set nicely.
Q: What can I use instead of maple syrup or honey?
A: Agave nectar, coconut syrup, or a few tablespoons of brown sugar dissolved in the custard mix are all good options.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Q: Is the lemon glaze necessary?
A: It’s optional, but it adds a nice bright finishing touch.
You can skip it or serve it on the side.

Lemon Raspberry Almond French Toast Bake
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah cut into 1-inch cubes (about 5–6 cups)
- 1 ½ cups raspberries fresh or frozen
- ¼ cup sliced almonds plus extra for topping
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
Custard:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk or use part cream for richness
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping:
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional glaze: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the cubed bread in the dish. Scatter half the raspberries and sliced almonds on top. Repeat with remaining bread, berries, and almonds.
- Make the custard: Whisk together eggs, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, lemon zest, and salt (plus lemon juice if using).
- Pour custard evenly over the bread and berries. Press down slightly to soak.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. Let the bread soak up all that lemony goodness.
- In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 2 tbsp sugar with a bit of lemon zest and sprinkle it over the top, along with a few extra sliced almonds.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until puffed, golden, and set in the center.
- Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze just before serving.
