There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table for a cozy brunch with family, is there? I remember one sunny morning, the smell of freshly baked goods wafting through the house, as I prepared my favorite lemon cheesecake French toast casserole. The zesty lemon and creamy cheesecake flavors blend together in such a delightful way, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Plus, the best part? It’s so easy to whip up! You can throw everything together the night before, pop it in the oven the next morning, and let it work its magic while you sip your coffee. Trust me, this casserole will become your go-to dish for brunch gatherings, leaving everyone raving about how delicious it is, and you’ll hardly lift a finger!
Ingredients for Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
To make this dreamy lemon cheesecake French toast casserole, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Start with one loaf of your favorite bread, cubed. I love using a nice, thick challah or brioche for that perfect texture! Next up, grab 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature—this is key for a smooth filling. You’ll also need 1 cup of milk, 4 large eggs, and 1 cup of granulated sugar to balance that zesty lemon flavor. Speaking of lemon, don’t forget 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and a tablespoon of lemon zest for that bright, citrusy kick. A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warmth, while a pinch of salt (1/2 teaspoon) rounds out the flavors beautifully. Finally, keep some powdered sugar on hand for a sweet dusting right before serving. Trust me, these ingredients come together to create a breakfast masterpiece!
How to Prepare Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Making this lemon cheesecake French toast casserole is a breeze, and I can’t wait to guide you through it! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your casserole to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a bit of butter or cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks!
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. This is where the magic starts! Add in your milk, eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—you want a creamy, luscious mixture that’s bursting with flavor. Once that’s done, it’s time to fold in the cubed bread. Make sure every piece is coated with that delicious mixture; this is what makes each bite so scrumptious!
Pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges start to puff up. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before dusting it with powdered sugar. Oh, the anticipation is part of the fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add milk, eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the cubed bread, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Success
To ensure your lemon cheesecake French toast casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, choose high-quality ingredients—fresh eggs and real vanilla extract make a noticeable difference in flavor. When it comes to bread, a thick, soft variety like challah or brioche really absorbs the custard beautifully, giving you that rich, satisfying texture.
Make sure to let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set up nicely for serving. If you’re preparing it the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge overnight—this allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully. And don’t forget to serve it with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. Trust me, these little details elevate your dish from good to absolutely amazing!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your lemon cheesecake French toast casserole, the options are endless and oh-so-delicious! I love pairing it with a fresh fruit salad bursting with berries—think strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The tartness of the fruit complements the creamy, lemony flavors perfectly. You could also whip up some whipped cream to dollop on top for an extra indulgence. It adds a light, airy touch that pairs beautifully with the richness of the casserole.
And let’s not forget drinks! A refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a zesty lemonade would be a hit on the table. If you want something a little more cozy, serve it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte. Trust me, these pairings will make your brunch spread feel extra special and oh-so-satisfying!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for this delicious lemon cheesecake French toast casserole! Each slice is estimated to have around 320 calories, with 15 grams of sugar and 8 grams of protein. You’ll also find about 15 grams of fat, including 8 grams of saturated fat. Plus, it contains around 40 grams of carbohydrates to keep you fueled for the day. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the specific ingredients used, so they might vary slightly depending on your choices. Enjoy this delightful dish without any guilt!
FAQ About Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Got questions about making this lemon cheesecake French toast casserole? I’ve got you covered! One common inquiry is about ingredient substitutions. If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use mascarpone for a slightly different flavor and texture. For a lighter version, feel free to swap in almond milk or any non-dairy milk instead of regular milk. Just keep in mind that it might alter the creaminess a bit.
Another question I often get is about storage. If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick breakfast treat! And if you’re thinking of prepping ahead, you can assemble the casserole the night before and let it soak in the fridge. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
If you have any more questions or need tips on making this dish your own, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to help you make the best brunch ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
- The heavenly combination of creamy cheesecake and zesty lemon flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- It can be made ahead of time, letting you enjoy the company of your guests without the stress of last-minute cooking.
- Each slice is like a warm hug, offering a comforting start to your day.
- Its beautiful presentation makes it a showstopper at any breakfast table!
Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious lemon cheesecake french toast casserole that combines the flavors of lemon and cheesecake with the comfort of french toast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add milk, eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
- Fold in the cubed bread until fully coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate it.
- Serve with fresh berries for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: lemon cheesecake french toast casserole
