Panettone French Toast Casserole

This casserole spin on french toast, using panettone, is a great brunch option for Christmas morning!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 680 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups whole milk
• cooking spray
• 8 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 (6 ounce) container fresh raspberries
• 2 cups heavy cream, divided
• 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
• 0.5 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1 (26.5 ounce) loaf panettone

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place cream cheese and brown sugar in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat at medium speed until smooth and creamy. Beat in vanilla and salt until well incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, beating until well blended. Gradually add milk and 1 cup cream, beating at low speed, until well incorporated.

Step 2

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 3

Cut panettone loaf into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices in 2 or 3 rows, overlapping slightly, starting from a short end of the baking dish.

Step 4

Pour cream cheese-egg mixture evenly over the panettone slices, gently shaking the baking dish to evenly distribute the liquid. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Uncover the baking dish. Brush melted butter over the casserole; sprinkle with sugar.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Rotate the baking dish 180 degrees and continue baking until the custard is set in the center, about 30 minutes more. Cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning, if necessary.

Step 7

Meanwhile, beat remaining heavy cream and powdered sugar in a medium bowl using a hand mixer on high speed until semi-firm peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve casserole warm with whipped cream, raspberries, and almonds.