Vegan French Toast Casserole

It's amazing how many different dishes you can make with french toast as the main ingredient. This vegan french toast casserole is just one of them. There are so many ways to make this simple casserole taste different. Add one fruit this time, add another next time. You can change up the spices that you use too. It is perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch and is easy to put together, it's sure to please a crowd. Plus, it's so good that even non-vegans will love it!

If you don't have to remain plant-based, you might like our brioche French toast casserole or this easy cinnamon roll casserole on your brunch menu also.

vegan french toast casserole in white baking dish on top of wood board on white table

Ingredients

1 loaf vegan brioche (350g)
1 ⅓ cup coconut milk (315ml)
¼ cup packed brown sugar (50g)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (7.5g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3g)
½ teaspoon salt (3g)
⅓ cup sliced almonds (24g)
2 tablespoons plant-based butter substitute (29g)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour(24g)

Note: If you want to go with a more traditional brioche but still remain vegan, you may want to make your own buttery vegan brioche instead of buying in a market.

ramekins of ingredients on table next to loaf of brioche bread

Kitchen Tools You Need

oval white baking dish of french toast casserole

How to Make a Vegan French Toast Casserole

Video Recipe:

Start by preparing your baking dish with non-stick spray or by greasing it with vegan butter. This recipe works best in a 10" oval baking dish or a 9"x13" baking dish. You will also want to go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C.

Now, cut the bread into 1" cubes and spread them evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. I used vegan brioche, but you can use any preferred bread or vegan roll (cinnamon rolls, raisin bread, and brioche are best for flavor).

knife slicing brioche bread on cutting board

Now, whisk the coconut milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch together in a large bowl until incorporated and the sugar is mostly dissolved.

In a separate bowl, you will combine the vegan butter, flour, and salt to form a crumble. A fork or pastry blender works great for this and makes it pea-sized as needed.

spoon putting butter on top of flower on blue plate

Now, cover the bread in the baking dish with the coconut milk mixture so that every piece is soaked in the liquid.

Then, sprinkle the crumble over the top of the bread along with the sliced almonds.

hands holding unbaked french toast casserole above white table

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the bread to be set and while it can be moist, you want it to mostly be set so the sauce is soaked into the bread and the bread is crisping on top.

oval white baking dish of vegan french toast casserole with almonds and blueberries

Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

white plate of french toast casserole topped with blueberries and syrup

Printable Recipe

Yield: 6

Vegan French Toast Casserole

This delicious vegan French toast casserole is the perfect choice to serve at brunch with guests who are plant-based! Loaded with rich flavor without animal products!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

1 loaf vegan brioche (350g)
1 ⅓ cup coconut milk (315ml)
¼ cup packed brown sugar (50g)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (7.5g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3g)
½ teaspoon salt (3g)
⅓ cup sliced almonds (24g)
2 tablespoons plant-based butter substitute (29g)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour(24g)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C and spray the bottom of a 10" oval or 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick spray.
Cut the vegan bread into 1" cubes and spread them evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon.
Using a separate bowl, crumble together the vegan butter, salt, and flour until it is pea sized.
Now, pour the coconut milk mixture over the bread in the baking dish making sure every piece has been soaked in the liquid.
Then, top with the crumbled bread/flour mixture and sliced almonds.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is set and the sauce has thickened and been absorbed into the bread.
Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh fruit.

Notes

This can be made with any vegan bread, but is best with a sweeter bread when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Bread Can Be Used for a Vegan French Toast?

Almost any bread can be used to make vegan French toast. The key is to choose a bread that is firm enough to hold up to being soaked in the liquid mixture and then fried. I love to use sourdough bread, ciabatta, Ezekial bread, or baguettes. Just watch whatever bread you choose doesn't contain eggs, milk, or butter.

Some markets have specialty vegan options such as the vegan brioche used in this recipe. Alternatively, you can make your own homemade bread if you prefer to control the ingredients.

What Binds French Toast Casserole without Egg?

There are a few ways you can bind your french toast without using an egg. I am using cornstarch to thicken the "egg" mixture and create the liquid batter for the french toast. Another option is to use a mixture of ground flaxseed and water. This works as an egg replacer in baking recipes.

With so many plant-based options on the market, you can easily find an egg replacer to use in this recipe if you want it to be a bit more traditional custard.

What Fruits Can I Add to French Toast?

The great thing about this recipe is that you can add any type of fruit you like. I love to add fresh berries or sliced bananas on top when serving.

If adding to the casserole before baking, I love the idea of diced apples, cinnamon apples, peaches, or even pears. These all bake down easily and add a sweetness and texture you will love.

Raisins, cranberries, prunes, and dates can also be added to your casserole for a deliciously healthy twist. If you want to get really fancy, you could even make a compote to top your french toast with.

How Long is French Toast Casserole Good For?

When making french toast casserole, it is one of those dishes that will taste best the day it is made. However, it can also be eaten over a few days. If stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, this vegan french toast casserole will last for up to 4 days.

Reheat it in the microwave. Be sure to reheat slowly, checking often to make sure you are not overheating it. That can make the edges hard and then it will not taste good. I recommend starting with 30-45 second increments depending upon the size of your serving.

image looking down on baking dish of french toast casserole sitting on white table

More Easy Breakfast Casseroles

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and if you don't need to stay plant-based but still want something tasty on the table, below are some great choices. These are savory dishes that, while not listed as vegan, can be adjusted to a plant-based or at least vegetarian diet to suit your needs. Make sure you bookmark these, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon!

Vegan French Toast Casserole

Vegan French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

Kitchen Tools You Need