Let me tell you about my absolute favorite brunch dish: lemon cheesecake french toast casserole! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with bright, zesty lemon flavor and creamy cheesecake goodness. I whip this up whenever I have friends over or just need a little pick-me-up on a lazy Sunday morning. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it bakes is simply heavenly—it’s impossible not to smile when you take that first bite! What I love most is how easy it is to prepare. You can toss everything together the night before and let it chill in the fridge, so when morning comes, all you have to do is bake it to golden perfection. Trust me, once you try this delightful casserole, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 8 slices of stale bread, cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup lemon curd, for that bright, tangy flavor
- 4 large eggs, to bind everything together
- 1 cup whole milk, for a creamy texture
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, to sweeten the mix
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, for a hint of warmth
- 1 tbsp lemon zest, to enhance that citrusy zing
- Powdered sugar for dusting, because a little sweetness on top makes everything better!
How to Prepare Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Prepping the Ingredients
First things first, let’s get our ingredients ready! Start by cubing the stale bread—this is super important because stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better, giving you that perfect texture. If you don’t have stale bread, just leave fresh bread out for a bit to dry out. Next, grab your cream cheese and let it soften at room temperature. This will make it easier to mix with the lemon curd, creating a luscious, creamy layer. And speaking of lemon curd, make sure it’s at room temperature too; it blends in better that way! Finally, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until everything’s well combined—this mixture is what brings all that deliciousness to life!
Assembling the Casserole
Now, onto the fun part—putting it all together! Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread half of your cubed bread in an even layer at the bottom. Next, take that creamy cream cheese and lemon curd mixture, and spread it generously over the first layer of bread. Don’t skimp here; it’s what makes this casserole so dreamy! Add the rest of the bread cubes on top, making sure they’re all tucked in. Now, pour the egg mixture over everything evenly. Here’s a little tip: give the dish a gentle shake to help the custard soak in. Cover your casserole with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, or if you’re planning ahead, overnight works wonders too. This resting time really allows those flavors to mingle!
Baking Instructions
Okay, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s nice and hot, remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover it. Bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and it springs back slightly when you press it. If you’re feeling fancy, let it cool for a few minutes, then dust it with powdered sugar before serving! Trust me, that little flourish makes it look as good as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare and easy to assemble, perfect for busy mornings.
- Comforting flavors of lemon and cheesecake that brighten your day.
- Perfect for serving a crowd—just slice and share!
- Can be made ahead of time, making brunch stress-free.
- Flexible recipe—add your favorite fruits for an extra twist!
Tips for Success
To make sure your lemon cheesecake french toast casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First off, using stale bread is key. It soaks up all that delicious custard without becoming mushy. If you’re in a pinch, just leave fresh bread out for a couple of hours to dry out a bit. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings! Fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream can elevate this dish to the next level. Lastly, keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes; oven temperatures can vary, so it might need a few extra minutes or a little less time depending on your setup. Just look for that golden brown top, and you’ll be all set!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious lemon cheesecake french toast casserole. You can expect about 350 calories, with 15g of fat (of which 8g are saturated fat), 20g of sugar, 200mg of sodium, and 8g of protein. It also contains 45g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. Remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a solid idea of what you’re indulging in. Enjoy every bite guilt-free, knowing it’s a delightful treat!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this lemon cheesecake french toast casserole is that it’s perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and let it chill in the fridge overnight. This not only saves you time in the morning but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready to go!
What types of bread work best?
When it comes to bread, I love using something with a bit of texture to soak up all that creamy custard. Brioche and challah are fabulous choices because they’re rich and fluffy, making for a dreamy casserole. If you’re feeling adventurous, sourdough can add a nice tang that complements the lemon perfectly. Just make sure whatever bread you choose is a little stale for the best results!
How can I add more flavor?
Oh, there are so many fun ways to amp up the flavor of your casserole! You can toss in some fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the lemon. If you want to spice things up, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture. You could even experiment with a splash of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your lemon cheesecake french toast casserole fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it comes to reheating, I recommend popping individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just cover it with foil to prevent the top from getting too brown. This way, you can enjoy that delicious, comforting flavor all over again!
Drucken
Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole: 2 Ways to Enjoy
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delicious lemon cheesecake french toast casserole that combines the flavors of lemon and cheesecake in a comforting baked dish.
Zutaten
- 8 slices of bread, cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup lemon curd
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the bread cubes in the dish.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and lemon curd until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes.
- Add the remaining bread cubes on top.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Feel free to add blueberries or raspberries for extra flavor.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 40 minutes
- Kategorie: Breakfast
- Methode: Baked
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 45g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterin: 150mg
Keywords: lemon cheesecake french toast casserole, breakfast casserole, lemon dessert
