Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m so excited to share my recipe for lemon cheesecake French toast casserole with you. This dish is a delightful twist on the classic French toast that always brightens my mornings. Picture this: creamy cheesecake flavors mingling with the buttery bread, all topped with a hint of zesty lemon. Yum! I first whipped this up for a brunch with friends, and it was an instant hit. The way the warm, golden edges of the casserole melt in your mouth, combined with that tangy lemon zest, is simply magical. Trust me, this recipe is going to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
- 8 slices of day-old bread
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Powdered sugar for serving
How to Prepare the Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! This lemon cheesecake French toast casserole is super simple to prepare, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this deliciousness. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in!
While that’s heating up, grab a baking dish and give it a good greasing with some butter or cooking spray. You want to ensure that every delightful bite comes out effortlessly. Next, take your day-old bread and cut it into cubes—about one-inch pieces are perfect. Toss those cubes into the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
Now comes the fun part! In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add in the milk, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You don’t want any lumps, so make sure to mix it well!
Pour this luscious mixture over the bread cubes, giving it a gentle press to ensure all the bread gets soaked. Now, let it soak for at least 30 minutes—this helps those flavors meld beautifully. Once that’s done, pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes until it’s golden brown and puffed up! Your kitchen will smell heavenly. Finally, dust with powdered sugar before serving, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation – you’ll have this delicious casserole ready in no time!
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch – impress your friends and family with a dish that’s sure to please.
- Unique lemon cheesecake flavor – it’s like waking up to dessert, but in the best way possible!
- Great for serving a crowd – whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, this dish is a showstopper.
- Vegetarian-friendly – everyone can enjoy this delightful treat without any worries!
Tips for Success
To really nail this lemon cheesecake French toast casserole, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that will make all the difference. First off, always use day-old bread! It’s a game changer for texture. Fresh bread can get too mushy, but day-old bread soaks up all that delicious mixture without falling apart. Plus, it adds just the right amount of chewiness.
Now, about sugar—don’t be afraid to adjust it based on your taste buds! If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to add a touch more sugar. Just remember, the lemon juice adds a nice tang, so find that perfect balance that suits your palate.
Also, make sure your cream cheese is *completely* softened before mixing. This ensures a smooth batter without any lumps. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with those frustrating little bits of cream cheese that refuse to blend in. So, let it sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start, or give it a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just don’t overdo it!
Lastly, if you have time, let the casserole soak for a bit longer than 30 minutes. An hour or even overnight in the fridge can really deepen those flavors. Your future self will thank you for the extra patience!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! I know it’s tempting to dive into the deliciousness without considering the stats, but it’s always good to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this heavenly lemon cheesecake French toast casserole:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Sugar: 15g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on common ingredient brands and typical serving sizes. So, if you swap anything out or get creative (which I totally encourage!), the numbers might change a bit. But rest assured, you’re still diving into something delicious and satisfying!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! The type of bread you use can really change the texture and flavor of your lemon cheesecake French toast casserole. I love using a hearty sourdough or a sweet brioche for added richness. If you want something lighter, a French baguette works beautifully too. Just keep in mind that each type of bread will absorb the egg mixture differently. Softer breads will give you a custardy texture, while denser ones will hold up a bit better. So, choose what you love and get creative!
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
You sure can! In fact, making this casserole ahead of time is a fantastic idea. Just follow the steps up until pouring the mixture over the bread cubes, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it into the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all those delicious flavors, and when you bake it in the morning, it’ll be even more amazing. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before you pop it in the oven, so it bakes evenly!
How do I store leftovers?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them is super easy! Just let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop individual slices in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you might lose that creamy goodness!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your lemon cheesecake French toast casserole all baked to perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve it up! I love to pair this delightful dish with some fresh fruit—think juicy berries, sliced bananas, or even a sprinkle of tangy citrus segments. They add a beautiful pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
If you’re feeling a bit indulgent (and who isn’t?), a dollop of whipped cream on top creates a heavenly combination. You can even add a drizzle of maple syrup or a citrus-infused syrup for an extra layer of sweetness. It really brings out the lemon flavor and adds a lovely touch of decadence!
For a brunch gathering, you could also serve this casserole alongside some crispy bacon or sausage. The savory flavors balance perfectly with the sweet, creamy casserole. And don’t forget a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea to wash it all down. Trust me, this is a breakfast spread that will have everyone raving!
Print
Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious twist on classic French toast with a lemon cheesecake flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish.
- Cut the bread into cubes and place in the dish.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add milk, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the bread cubes.
- Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture.
- Adjust sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: lemon cheesecake french toast casserole
