If you've ever wanted something a little more fun than classic french toast but still easy enough for a regular morning, this baked lemon french toast is it. It's soft in the center, lightly golden on top, and finished with a fresh lemon drizzle that makes it feel like a cross between brunch and a bakery treat.
As a Southern dietitian and busy mom, I'm always looking for recipes that feel special without adding extra work, and this one checks every box. You can prep it the night before, bake it in the morning, and have something that tastes like you planned ahead (even if you didn't). It's bright, balanced, and perfect for everything from slow weekends to hosting.
If you love easy breakfast recipes like this, check out my pancake McGriddle muffins or ham egg bite recipes for more make-ahead options that keep mornings simple.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for make-ahead mornings: You can prep this French toast casserole the night before and bake it fresh the next day with zero stress.
- Bright, fresh flavor: The lemon adds a light, citrusy touch that keeps every bite from feeling too heavy, making it especially perfect for spring brunches.
- Easy to make it your own: Keep it classic or switch things up with berries, extra lemon, or savory sides to fit whatever you're serving.
Ingredients
Simple, everyday ingredients come together to create that soft, lemony baked french toast everyone loves.
- Brioche bread: This is my go-to because it's soft, slightly sweet, and soaks up the custard without falling apart, but using any day-old bread works!
- Milk: Use whatever you have on hand, whether it's 2% or a dairy free option!
- Eggs: These create that classic custardy base, so make sure they're fully whisked for an even texture throughout the bake.
- Lemon (juice + zest): Fresh lemon juice and zest are key here since they bring that bright, fresh flavor that really makes this recipe stand out.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla helps balance the citrus and adds a warm, bakery-style flavor.
- Cinnamon: Just a small amount adds subtle warmth without overpowering the lemon flavor.
- Powdered sugar: This is used for the light lemon drizzle and optional dusting, giving you that soft, bakery-style finish.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
You can easily adjust this French toast recipe based on what you have or how you want to serve it.
- If you don't have brioche, a sturdy bread substitute like challah or French bread works well since it can hold the custard without getting too soft.
- For a dairy-free option, swapping the milk for almond milk or another plant-based milk still gives you a creamy texture without changing the flavor too much.
- To switch up the flavor, adding fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries pairs really well with the lemon and adds a little natural sweetness.
- If you want more of a brunch spread feel, serving this with sausage or bacon on the side gives you that sweet and savory balance.
- For a stronger citrus flavor, adding extra lemon zest or making a slightly thicker drizzle will give you a stronger lemon finish.
- If you prefer a more classic flavor, skipping the lemon drizzle and serving with maple syrup instead keeps it simple and just as delicious.
How To Make Baked Lemon French Toast Recipe
Here's how to bring this easy lemon french toast together step by step.
Step 1: Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish and arrange the brioche slices in slightly overlapping rows so they fit snugly in the dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
Step 3: Slowly pour the custard evenly over the bread, making sure to coat each slice.
Step 4: Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes so the custard can absorb, or cover and refrigerate overnight for an easy make-ahead option.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 30 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft.
Step 6: While the french toast is baking, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and drizzle the lemon icing over the top while warm, then add a light dusting of powdered sugar if you'd like.
Tips for the Best Lemon French Toast
These tips will help you get that perfect soft center with a lightly golden top every time.
- For the best texture, using slightly stale bread instead of fresh bread helps it soak up the custard without turning soggy.
- To get that soft, custardy center, letting the french toast chill for at least 30 minutes makes a big difference in how evenly it bakes.
- To avoid drying it out, keeping an eye on the bake time and pulling it once the center is just set ensures it stays soft and not overcooked.
- For the most flavor, zesting the lemon before juicing it makes the process easier and gives you more of that bright citrus flavor!
Storage
This baked lemon french toast stores really well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for a quick option or in the air fryer or oven at 300°F until heated through.
- Make ahead: Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning for the best texture.
FAQ
Yes, but for best results, slightly stale bread works better because it absorbs the custard without getting too soft. If you only have fresh bread, you can let it sit out for a few hours or lightly toast it in the oven to dry it out a bit.
You can freeze it, but the texture may soften slightly when reheated. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers.
Yes, this recipe doubles well for larger groups. You can either use two 9x13 dishes or one larger baking dish, just be sure not to overcrowd the bread so it bakes evenly.
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Thank you!
Jessie
Baked Iced Lemon French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread sliced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 lemon zested
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Lemon Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar plus more for dusting
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 9x13 baking dish and arrange the brioche slices in slightly overlapping rows so they fit snugly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Slowly pour the custard evenly over the bread, making sure to coat each slice.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes so the custard can absorb, or cover and refrigerate overnight for an easy make-ahead option.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 30 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft.
- While the french toast is baking, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle the lemon icing over the top while warm, then add a light dusting of powdered sugar if you'd like.
Notes
- Add mix-ins like fresh blueberries, strawberries, or even a few dollops of cream cheese for an easy way to switch up the flavor while keeping a lemon base.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the best texture.
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