Lemon poppyseed French toast casserole DSC 2580

Lemon poppyseed French toast casserole

My stepmom is the master of the French toast casserole. The first time I ever had one was at her and my dad’s house, and she’s so adept at the form she has more than one recipe in her repertoire.

For instance, on Easter, I spoke to her and she mentioned that she was serving the family a French toast casserole for their holiday brunch. I asked if it was the one she makes with lemon curd and poppy seeds and she said no. She said that she was making a cinnamon one then added, “We like to save the lemon poppyseed French toast for when you’re here.”

Because they live in Bend, Oregon, I don’t visit this remote mountain town as much as I’d like, but now that I’ve bridged the gap (it takes 12 hours to get there by plane from New York City, but only about six from Dallas), I aim to go more often. Though she and my dad have plans to travel to Texas this summer to celebrate my uncle Bubba’s 70th birthday, so I won’t go to Oregon until later this fall.

That, of course, means I’ll have to wait a few months to enjoy her lemon poppyseed breakfast casserole at their house. Fortunately, however, she kindly gave me the recipe, and when I do get a craving before then, I can make it at my home in Texas, too.

This has been a tough year for most people, and on top of having to stay inside and be distanced from those whom we love, many have lost loved ones, sometimes without even getting a chance to give a final hug or say a proper goodbye.

One of my best friends recently lost her mother. The diagnosis and decline happened fast, which doesn’t make it any easier. I was thinking of her recently because this will be her first Mother’s Day without her mom, whom she misses very much.

Soon after her mother died, I wanted to make her something sweet. When I asked her husband what her favorite cookie was, he said lemon cookies. I took her a batch of lemony shortbread and her whole family enjoyed them.

Because this is her first Mother’s Day without her mom, I thought this French toast casserole, which is also bright and lively with the flavor of lemon, would be a nice thing to share. And it has the bonus of being a way to connect with my Oregon family until I get to see them in person again, too.

For my rendition, I make the lemon curd from scratch, though using a store-bought version works just as well. Sometimes I must like to be ambitious, though I definitely buy the bread, and for this I prefer the buttery sweetness of a brioche or challah.

Lemon poppyseed French toast casserole | Homesick Texan

Like many breakfast casseroles (or breads puddings) there is a waiting period for the bread to absorb an egg-and-milk blend. But it doesn’t take much time to prepare, especially if you go with the store-bought lemon curd. And as it bakes, your home will smell divine with the sweet and light blend of lemon. It’s rich and creamy enough to enough on its own, though the tang of fresh berries can be served with it, as well.

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5 from 4 votes

Lemon poppyseed French toast casserole

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting time 2 hours
Servings 6
Author Lisa Fain

Ingredients

For the lemon curd:

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the casserole:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • ½ cup lemon curd
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 12- ounces brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
  • Powdered sugar, for serving
  • Fresh berries, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • To make the lemon curd, in the top of a double boiler, whisk together the sugar, egg, and lemon juice. Place the top of a double boiler over a pot of simmering water heated on medium-low , and while continually stirring, cook until the curd has thickened, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the butter until it’s melted, then add the salt. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using. The curd will keep for a week in the refrigerator, so this can be done in advance. You will have ½ cup. If you prefer to save time, however, you may substitute commercially prepared lemon curd instead.
  • To make the French toast casserole, lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
  • Stir together the cream cheese, lemon curd, and half the lemon zest until well blended. Spread some of the mixture on one side of each of the bread slices.
  • To assemble the casserole, take half the bread and layer along the bottom, with the spread side facing up. Repeat this with the remaining slices on top of the first layer, forming two layers. To get the bread to fit, feel free to tear some pieces to achieve this.
  • Beat together the milk, eggs, sugar, poppy seeds, almond extract, and salt. Pour evenly over the bread, and cover and refrigerate for 2 hours up to overnight.
  • To bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until puffed and golden. To serve, sprinkle with powdered sugar and the remaining lemon zest. Can be eaten on its own or served with fresh berries.

Notes

This recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a 9x13 dish instead. The baking time should be about the same.

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14 Comments

  1. Bryan Suttles says:

    Can you suggest a substitute for the almond extract? Not a fan, but the rest of the recipe sounds amazing

    1. Lisa Fain says:

      Bryan–Sure! Use vanilla extract instead.

  2. Cynthia OMara says:

    I’ve made this many times and we absolutely love it. I do use the jar curd though. My hats off on this one!

    1. Lisa Fain says:

      Cynthia–I’m so glad you enjoy it!