Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *lemon cheesecake french toast casserole*! It’s like a love letter to your taste buds, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon, all nestled in soft, fluffy bread. Seriously, what’s not to love? I remember the first time I made it for a family brunch. My aunt, who usually sticks to her tried-and-true recipes, took one bite and exclaimed, “This is incredible! You need to make this every Sunday!” And just like that, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. It’s perfect for gatherings or even just a cozy morning at home when you want to treat yourself. Trust me, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and it’s super easy to whip up. You’re going to want to make this over and over again!
Ingredients for Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful lemon cheesecake french toast casserole to life. Make sure to gather everything beforehand so you can jump right into the fun of cooking!
- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed (trust me, the brioche adds such a lovely softness!)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (let it sit out for a bit to really mix well)
- 1 cup lemon curd (I like to use homemade if I can; it makes a world of difference!)
- 6 large eggs (these are the magic binding agents)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk is best for creaminess, but use what you have)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to your taste if you like it sweeter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (a splash of vanilla always elevates the flavor)
- 1/4 tsp salt (don’t skip this; it balances the sweetness so beautifully)
- Zest of 1 lemon (this adds that fresh, zesty punch that’s just divine!)
Now, just imagine how these ingredients come together to create a breakfast masterpiece. You’ll be in lemon cheesecake heaven before you know it!
How to Prepare Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this lemon cheesecake french toast casserole! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a breakfast that’ll knock everyone’s socks off. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly from the get-go. So, go ahead and set that oven while you prep your ingredients!
Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese and Lemon Curd
In a large bowl, grab that softened cream cheese and lemon curd. Mix them together until it’s smooth and creamy. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but if you’re feeling strong, a whisk works too! This mixture is the heart of your casserole, so make sure it’s well combined – we want that luscious cheesecake flavor throughout!
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
Now, in another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and the zest of that lemon. This step is crucial because it creates a custard base that will soak into the bread. Make sure everything is nicely blended before moving on!
Step 4: Combine Bread with Cream Cheese Mixture
Time to bring it all together! Take your cubed brioche bread and add it to the cream cheese mixture. Gently toss the bread until each piece is coated evenly – you want every bite to have that creamy lemon goodness. Don’t rush this part; it’s where the magic starts!
Step 5: Pour Egg Mixture Over Bread
Next, pour that egg mixture over the bread and cream cheese mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until it’s well mixed. This ensures that the bread soaks up all that delicious custard goodness. Take your time to make sure that every piece of bread gets some love!
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, grab a greased baking dish – this step is key because we don’t want our casserole to stick! Pour the combined mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. You’re going to want to see a beautiful layer of bread and that creamy filling just waiting to bake!
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Slide that baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once it’s done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit more. I love to serve mine with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries on top. It just makes everything look so inviting! Trust me, your family and friends are going to love digging into this deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s an incredibly easy preparation – just mix and bake!
- The flavors are absolutely divine, blending creamy cheesecake and zesty lemon in every bite.
- This casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts.
- You can make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress anyone without requiring hours in the kitchen.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delicious next-day treat.
- It’s versatile – you can easily customize it with different toppings like fresh fruit or whipped cream!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your lemon cheesecake french toast casserole turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate your dish and make it even more delicious.
- Choose the Right Bread: While brioche is my go-to for its softness, feel free to experiment with challah or even croissants for a flakier texture. Each will bring its own unique flavor!
- Soak Time: If you can, let the assembled casserole sit in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight before baking. This gives the bread more time to absorb that creamy custard, resulting in an even richer flavor.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar in the egg mixture based on your preference. If you love that tangy lemon flavor, you might want to dial it back a bit!
- Add a Splash of Liqueur: For an adult twist, consider adding a tablespoon of limoncello liqueur to the egg mixture. It enhances the lemon flavor beautifully!
- Layering Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add some fresh blueberries or raspberries to the mix for bursts of juicy flavor that complement the lemon beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for added indulgence. Trust me, it takes this dish to a whole new level!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a breakfast masterpiece that everyone will rave about. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of what you’re getting in each scrumptious slice of this lemon cheesecake french toast casserole. Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect when you dig in!
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: About 15g
- Saturated Fat: Roughly 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Around 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 120mg
- Sodium: About 300mg
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 45g
- Fiber: About 2g
- Protein: Approximately 10g
- Sugar: Around 20g
So, there you have it! This casserole is indulgent but also gives you a bit of protein and fiber to start your day. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t forget to share with your loved ones (or not – I won’t tell!).
FAQ About Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making, storing, and enjoying this delightful lemon cheesecake french toast casserole. Let’s dive in!
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge overnight. This way, the bread will soak up all that delicious custard, making it even more flavorful when baked in the morning!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up. They still taste fantastic!
Can I use a different type of bread?
Definitely! While brioche is my favorite for this recipe, you can use challah, French bread, or even sourdough. Each type will give a slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment!
What if I don’t have lemon curd?
No worries! You can make your own lemon curd at home quite easily, or you can substitute it with a mix of lemon juice and sugar, whisked into your cream cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor might not be as rich, but it’ll still be tasty!
Can I freeze this casserole?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing it after baking, as the texture might change. However, you can freeze the uncooked assembled casserole. Just cover it tightly and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual!
What toppings do you recommend?
I love serving this casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle some maple syrup or even a lemon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the brioche for a gluten-free bread of your choice. It might not be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you make the most out of this scrumptious lemon cheesecake french toast casserole!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve whipped up this heavenly lemon cheesecake french toast casserole, and now you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy every last bite without losing that deliciousness!
First off, let your casserole cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Now, when it comes to reheating, I’ve got a couple of tips for you! If you’re just warming up a single slice, pop it in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds on medium heat. Check it to make sure it’s warm throughout, but be careful not to overdo it – you don’t want it to get tough!
If you’ve got a larger piece or the whole casserole to reheat, I suggest using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to keep it from drying out, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method really helps retain that creamy texture and flavor!
And if you want to elevate your reheated slice, consider topping it with a little fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup! It’ll make your breakfast feel just as special as the first time you served it. Enjoy your leftovers, and trust me, they’ll still be amazing!
Z nadrukami
Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole: 7 Irresistible Steps
- Całkowity Czas: 55 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delicious lemon cheesecake french toast casserole that combines the flavors of lemon and cheesecake in a sweet breakfast dish.
Składniki
- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup lemon curd
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and lemon curd until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest.
- Add cubed brioche bread to the cream cheese mixture and toss to coat.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and gently mix.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve with powdered sugar or fresh berries.
- Can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 40 minutes
- Kategoria: Breakfast
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Słowa kluczowe: lemon cheesecake french toast casserole
