Raspberry Orange Breakfast Strata Recipe

Introduction

This Raspberry Orange Breakfast Strata is a bright and fruity twist on a classic baked egg dish. Combining tangy raspberries with fresh orange zest and creamy custard, it’s a delightful way to start your morning with plenty of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread, cubed
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 6 eggs
• 1 tbsp almond extract
• Zest and juice of one orange
• 4 cups raspberries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the cubed French bread in an 11×8-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, eggs, almond extract, and the zest and juice of one orange until the mixture is bubbly and smooth.
3. Step 3: Gently fold the raspberries into the custard mixture to combine.
4. Step 4: Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down on the bread to help it soak up the custard. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
5. Step 5: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Step 6: Keep the dish covered with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strata is set.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the sliced almonds or substitute with chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Use fresh or frozen raspberries; if frozen, no need to thaw before folding into the custard.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract along with almond extract for extra warmth in flavor.
• Try swapping orange zest and juice with lemon or blood orange for a different citrus twist.

Storage

Store any leftover strata covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through, maintaining the creamy texture and vibrant fruit flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this strata the same day I want to serve it?

The strata is best when assembled and refrigerated overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard fully, making it moist and flavorful. If short on time, let it sit at least 1 hour before baking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

This recipe relies on dairy and eggs for its creamy custard texture. To make it dairy-free or vegan would require significant substitutions, such as plant-based milks and egg replacers, which may change the texture and flavor considerably.

Raspberry Orange Breakfast Strata Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 59 reviews

This Raspberry Orange Breakfast Strata is a delightful make-ahead baked casserole combining sweetened condensed milk, fresh raspberries, and bright orange flavors layered with crunchy French bread cubes and almonds. Perfect for a festive brunch or cozy weekend breakfast, it offers a creamy, fruity, and nutty flavor profile with a crisp golden top.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 45 minutes (including overnight refrigeration)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 loaf French Bread, cubed
• 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (about 14 oz)
• 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
• 6 large Eggs
• 1 tbsp Almond Extract
• Zest and Juice of One Orange
• 4 cups Fresh Raspberries
• 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread base: In an 11×8 inch casserole dish, evenly spread the cubed French bread to form the base layer for the strata.
2. Mix custard liquid: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, eggs, almond extract, and the zest and juice of one orange until the mixture becomes bubbly and well combined.
3. Add raspberries: Gently fold the fresh raspberries into the custard mixture, being careful not to crush them too much to maintain their shape and freshness.
4. Combine and soak: Pour the raspberry custard mixture over the bread cubes in the casserole dish. Press down gently on the bread so it absorbs the liquid evenly. Sprinkle the sliced almonds across the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak thoroughly.
5. Preheat oven and bake: When ready to cook, remove the strata from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Keep the casserole covered with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and slightly crisp.

Notes

• For best results, use day-old French bread to better absorb the custard.
• You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
• To make preparation easier, assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking to get an evenly cooked strata.
• This recipe serves well as a brunch centerpiece and pairs nicely with coffee or fresh juice.

Keywords: breakfast strata, raspberry strata, orange almond strata, baked breakfast casserole, fruit custard strata