Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole: 2 Ways to Indulge

Name: Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole: 2 Ways to Indulge
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf of French bread, cubed; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup milk; 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for serving

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *lemon cheesecake french toast casserole*! It’s like breakfast and dessert had a delicious love child. Just imagine waking up to the invigorating aroma of fresh lemon mingling with the creamy goodness of cheesecake, all baked into soft, fluffy French bread. I first made this casserole for a brunch gathering, and it was an absolute hit! Everyone was raving about the bright flavor and the delightful texture. The best part? You can prep it the night before, so all you need to do is pop it in the oven in the morning. Trust me, this dish is perfect for those lazy weekends or special occasions when you really want to impress your family and friends. You’re going to love every bite of it!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful lemon cheesecake french toast casserole. Gather these ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

1 loaf of French bread, cubed
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup milk
4 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for serving

Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft so it blends seamlessly into the mix. Fresh lemons for the juice and zest will really brighten up this dish, so don’t skimp on those! Once you have everything ready, you’re all set to start creating this breakfast masterpiece.

How to Prepare the Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this lemon cheesecake french toast casserole! I’ll guide you step-by-step, so you can create this breakfast delight effortlessly.

Prepping the Ingredients

First things first, grab that loaf of French bread and cut it into bite-sized cubes. I always love using a day-old bread since it holds up better when we soak it. Next, let’s tackle the cream cheese. Make sure it’s softened—this is key! I usually take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before I start. You want it to be smooth and creamy, so when you mix it later, it blends perfectly without any lumps. If you have a hand mixer, that’s your best friend here!

Assembling the Casserole

Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to assemble! Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the cubed French bread evenly across the bottom. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Then, add in the milk, eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Now, pour this luscious mixture over the bread cubes, making sure each piece is generously soaked. This part is crucial—don’t rush it! You want every bit of bread to absorb that creamy goodness.

Baking Instructions

Once everything is in the dish, cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight if you can wait! When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, or until it’s gloriously golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly puffed and the center is set. After it comes out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to cut. Dust with powdered sugar, and voilà! You’ve got a show-stopping breakfast casserole ready to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon cheesecake french toast casserole is not just any breakfast dish; it’s a delightful experience that you and your guests will absolutely adore! Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a must-try:

Flavors that Pop: The bright, zesty lemon combined with creamy cheesecake creates a flavor explosion that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this casserole ready to chill in no time—perfect for busy mornings!
Great for Gatherings: Whether it’s a brunch with friends or a family get-together, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that feeds a bunch without much fuss.
Delicious Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), they make for a delightful treat the next day—just reheat and enjoy!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and let the flavors meld in the fridge, so all you have to do is bake in the morning!

Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a regular on your breakfast table!

Tips for Success

To make sure your lemon cheesecake french toast casserole turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips to share! Trust me, these little tricks can elevate your dish from good to absolutely amazing.

Refrigerate Overnight: For the best results, I highly recommend letting the casserole sit in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all that creamy mixture, making every bite richer and more flavorful.
Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make a huge difference in taste! The bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons really shines through, unlike the bottled stuff. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh lemon in the kitchen!
Day-Old Bread: If you can, use day-old French bread. It’s drier and will absorb the custard mixture better, ensuring your casserole doesn’t turn out soggy. If you only have fresh bread, let it sit out for a bit to dry out before cubing.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes! The top should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still slightly soft. If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Let it Cool: After baking, resist the urge to dive right in! Letting it cool for a few minutes helps set the layers and makes it easier to cut into portions.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and delicious breakfast dish that everyone will love!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying this lemon cheesecake french toast casserole, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in each delicious serving! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values you can expect:

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approximately 350
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 10g
Sodium: 300mg
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, enjoy this delightful casserole guilt-free, knowing it’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of indulgence for your breakfast table!

FAQ Section

Got questions about this lemon cheesecake french toast casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I’ve come across, along with my answers to help you out.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend prepping it the night before. Just assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the delicious flavors, making it even tastier in the morning!

What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has a similar taste but with less fat. For a dairy-free alternative, try using a vegan cream cheese or even a cashew-based spread. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary slightly!

How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 10-15 minutes until heated. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you might lose that lovely creaminess!

Can I use a different type of bread?
Of course! While French bread works beautifully, you can substitute with brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the soaking time if the bread is particularly dense.

Can I add toppings or mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! You can mix in some blueberries, raspberries, or even chocolate chips before baking. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you’re adding fruit, as they’ll add natural sugars!

How long will leftovers keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your lemon cheesecake french toast casserole should last for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to reheat it properly before enjoying again!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this fabulous lemon cheesecake french toast casserole, let’s talk about how to take it to the next level with some delicious accompaniments! Trust me, these pairings will complement the bright, creamy flavors and make your breakfast spread truly unforgettable.

First up, I highly recommend serving it with a drizzle of warm maple syrup. The sweet, rich syrup pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon and adds that classic breakfast touch. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top will elevate every bite to dessert levels!

For a refreshing touch, why not add some fresh berries on the side? Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries not only add a pop of color but also bring a tartness that balances the richness of the casserole. You could even toss them with a little sugar and lemon juice to enhance their flavor!

If you want to keep things simple yet elegant, a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the casserole before serving is a lovely finishing touch. It adds a touch of sweetness and makes it look so inviting!

And don’t forget about drinks! A chilled glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a steaming cup of coffee will perfectly complement this delightful breakfast dish. You could even whip up a light lemony smoothie to keep with the theme!

With these serving suggestions, your lemon cheesecake french toast casserole will not only taste amazing but look like a brunch masterpiece that everyone will rave about. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your lemon cheesecake french toast casserole, you might find yourself with some delicious leftovers. Don’t worry; I’ve got the best tips to help you store and reheat it so that every bite remains just as scrumptious as the first!

To store your leftovers, simply transfer any uneaten casserole to an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep out moisture and preserve that lovely flavor. It should last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it won’t last long because it’s just too good!

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key to keeping that creamy texture and delightful flavor. You have a couple of options here:

Microwave: For a quick reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating, as you want it warm but still creamy!
Oven: If you prefer the oven method, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain that lovely texture!

No matter how you choose to reheat, the goal is to enjoy every delicious morsel of your lemon cheesecake french toast casserole! So, go ahead and savor those leftovers—you deserve it!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.