Let me tell you about my new favorite brunch recipe: lemon cheesecake french toast casserole! It’s like a sunny morning on a plate, bursting with flavor and joy. Imagine waking up to a dish that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the comforting warmth of french toast, all infused with bright lemony goodness. Seriously, it’s the best of both worlds! This casserole is not only super easy to whip up, but it also makes for an impressive centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch gathering. Plus, you can prep it the night before, so you can just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy a delightful morning feast. Trust me, once you try this lemon cheesecake french toast casserole, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite!
Ingredients
To make this lemon cheesecake french toast casserole, you’ll need some simple yet delightful ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup lemon curd, for that zesty, sweet flavor
- 6 large eggs, which give the casserole its rich texture
- 1 cup milk, to keep it moist and creamy
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, to sweeten things up
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, for a lovely aromatic touch
- 1/4 tsp salt, to balance the flavors
- Zest of 1 lemon, adding a fresh citrus punch
- Powdered sugar for serving, because who doesn’t love a little dusting of sweetness?
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to creating a breakfast masterpiece that will wow your family and friends!
How to Prepare the Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Get ready to dive into a deliciously simple process! I promise, making this lemon cheesecake french toast casserole is almost as fun as eating it. Let’s break it down step by step.
Prepping the Base
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing with butter or non-stick spray—this prevents any sticking and makes for easy cleanup later! Now, take your loaf of brioche bread and cube it into bite-sized pieces. I love using stale bread for this, as it holds up better and soaks in all the creamy goodness. Spread half of those lovely bread cubes evenly across the bottom of your greased dish.
Making the Filling
In a mixing bowl, it’s time to create the luscious filling! Start by beating the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth—this will take a minute or two, so don’t rush it. Then, add in the lemon curd, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, and you’ve got that dreamy, creamy texture. It should look like a beautiful, thick batter—just what we want for our casserole!
Assembling the Casserole
Now comes the fun part! Pour that creamy filling over the first layer of bread cubes, making sure to cover everything evenly. Then, add the remaining bread cubes on top. This layering ensures each bite is packed with flavor! Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. Trust me, this step is key for the bread to soak up all that delicious mixture!
Baking and Serving
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the cover and bake it in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a little puffy—oh, that smell is heavenly! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust it with powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness, and don’t forget to slice it up and serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every bite of this delightful brunch treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for busy mornings.
- Combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the comfort of french toast.
- Perfect for brunch gatherings or special occasions—everyone will be impressed!
- Customizable with your favorite toppings, like fresh berries or whipped cream.
- Simple ingredients and easy steps make it a breeze to prepare.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day.
Tips for Success
To make your lemon cheesecake french toast casserole truly shine, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, when selecting bread, go for brioche or challah—these rich, soft breads soak up the custard beautifully, ensuring every bite is a delight. If you can, use day-old bread; it holds its shape better and absorbs more flavor.
For storage, if you have leftovers (which is rare!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven, and they’ll taste just as heavenly! And when it comes to serving, feel free to get creative! A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of fresh berries, or even a drizzle of honey can elevate this dish to a whole new level. Enjoy your masterpiece!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each slice of this lemon cheesecake french toast casserole is a delightful balance of flavors and nutrients. On average, you can expect about 350 calories per slice, with 15 grams of fat and 8 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. It also packs around 45 grams of carbohydrates, making it a hearty start to your day. With 20 grams of sugar, it’s sweet enough to feel like a treat, yet still balanced for breakfast. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients, but rest assured, this dish is as delicious as it is satisfying!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this lemon cheesecake french toast casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche is my favorite for its richness, you can also use challah or even French bread. Just make sure it’s a nice, sturdy loaf that can soak up the custard.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, yes, yes! In fact, I recommend it! Preparing it overnight allows the bread to soak up all those delicious flavors, making it even tastier when baked. Just cover it well and pop it in the fridge.
What if I don’t have lemon curd?
No problem! You can substitute it with a mix of lemon juice and sugar, or even use store-bought lemon pudding if you want a quicker option. Just make sure it’s lemon-flavored!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll want to look for a golden brown top and a slight puffiness. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your lemon cheesecake french toast casserole experience, consider pairing it with some delightful sides! Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole. You might also enjoy a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for that sweet touch. If you want to go all out, a side of crispy bacon or sausage links balances the sweetness perfectly and adds a savory element to your brunch spread. Trust me, these combinations make for a truly memorable meal!
Z nadrukami
Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole: 2 Steps to Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delicious lemon cheesecake french toast casserole perfect for breakfast or brunch.
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 granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cubed brioche bread in the dish.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add lemon curd, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the bread cubes in the dish.
- Add the remaining bread cubes on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Uwagi
- Make sure to use stale bread for the best texture.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Top with fresh berries if desired.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 50 minutes
- Kategoria: Breakfast
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Słowa kluczowe: lemon cheesecake french toast casserole
