Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into cubes
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, milk, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla bean paste, and mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Place the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to ensure all pieces are soaked in the liquid.
- Step 4: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the mixture.
- Step 5: Remove the foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center. Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Step 6: Optionally, serve with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Enjoy your Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole!
Notes
- For best storage, keep any leftover Lemon Cheesecake French Toast Casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness.
- When reheating, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
- For an extra special touch, serve your casserole with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of lemon syrup to enhance the flavors.
- To achieve a creamier texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing, as this will help it blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 18g