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I love starting my mornings with my Vegan French Toast Casserole, it's like dessert for breakfast but so much healthier! It's easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients like sprouted wheat bread, apples, soy milk, flax seeds, and maple syrup, and perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
French toast has always been my breakfast weakness, but let's be real, sometimes I want all that cozy, indulgent goodness without the extra work or sugar overload. My recipe is as simple as blend, pour, and bake - no flipping required. Plus, it pairs perfectly with my favorite healthy morning staples, like these healthiest breakfast cereals for a balanced start to the day.
I created this vegan French toast casserole for those busy mornings when my family craves something comforting and made with love, without the hassle of standing over the stove. Just like my healthy French toast, it's simple, indulgent, and perfect for starting the day right!
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🥘 Ingredients
My favorite thing about my vegan French toast casserole is that it uses everyday ingredients I can easily find at my local grocery store, making it both convenient and delicious.
Soy Milk: I love using soy milk because it makes the custard rich and creamy without any dairy. It's a staple in my kitchen!
Ground Flax Seeds: Flax seeds are my go-to for replacing eggs, they thicken the custard perfectly. Plus, they're easy to find in the baking aisle.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds the perfect natural sweetness. I always keep some on hand for drizzling too!
Sprouted Wheat Bread: This hearty bread soaks up the custard beautifully and gives the casserole a chewy texture. Day-old or crusty bread works best.
Apple: Apples bring a sweet, tender bite that takes this dish to the next level. I love the extra color and texture they add!
🍲Substitutions
Milk: I usually go for almond, oat, or cashew milk, they all work perfectly. If you're not vegan, you can use dairy milk too. For extra richness, I sometimes swap 1/2 cup of soy milk with coconut milk for a hint of coconut flavor!
Other Eggs: there are many vegan egg substitutes, but chia seeds work too if you adjust the ratio. They thicken the custard just as well and are so easy to use!
Bread: I love switching things up with different breads like buckwheat sourdough bread, or my personal favorite, cinnamon raisin bread! To make gluten-free vegan French toast casserole, simply use my gluten-free bread.
Fruit: Apples are my go-to, but pears, peaches, or blueberries are just as amazing.
You've got to try my vegan French toast casserole recipe, it's so easy to make! Just follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delicious, drool-worthy breakfast everyone will love.
Blend Ingredients: I start by blending all the ingredients, except the bread and apple, in my high-speed blender. Once it's smooth, I let it sit for fifteen minutes so the ground flax can thicken up and create the perfect custard!
Preheat Oven & Assemble: Next, I preheat my oven to 350°F and get my baking dish ready with a quick spray of olive oil. Then, I layer the cubed bread evenly in the dish and sprinkle the chopped apples on top, it's already looking so good!
Add The Custard: Once the custard has thickened, I pour it evenly over the bread cubes. I make sure every piece is soaked so there aren't any dry spots, it's the secret to that perfectly creamy texture!
Bake The Casserole: I pop the casserole into the oven and let it bake for 45 to 55 minutes, filling the kitchen with the sweetest aroma. Once it's done, I carefully take it out and let it sit for 20 minutes to set, it's so hard to wait, but it's worth it!
Serve: Finally, it's time to dig in! I love serving this vegan breakfast casserole with fresh berries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup, it's pure breakfast bliss!
I love how versatile my Vegan French Toast Casserole is! I always have fun experimenting with it, and some of my favorite variations include:
Nutty: I love adding sliced almonds or chopped walnuts for extra crunch. It's the perfect way to add texture to the apples and bread!
Cinnamon Raisin: Cinnamon raisin bread with a handful of raisins is a game-changer. It adds so much warmth and sweetness to every bite!
Very Berry: Swapping the apples for fresh blueberries and dried cranberries is one of my favorite fruity twists. It's bright, juicy, and so delicious!
Chocolate Chip: I like adding ½ cup of vegan chocolate chips turns this into a decadent treat. It's perfect for when I'm craving something extra indulgent.
Coconut: this one is my fav, I add ¼-½ cup of shredded coconut and a hint of coconut extract make this casserole taste like a tropical dream. It's a fun and flavorful twist!
My vegan French toast casserole is the ultimate breakfast treat - warm, comforting, and perfect for sharing! I love serving it with:
Toppings: I love adding a variety of toppings to this baked French toast casserole, it tastes amazing with toppings! Anything you like is fair game. My pear compote is so nice with it, or a drizzle of maple syrup are always a hit. For something extra special, try my vegan nutella, whipped coconut cream or my strawberry chia jam!
Extra Protein: For a protein boost, I like serving this with my vegan silken tofu scramble or a drizzle of peanut butter. It's a delicious way to make breakfast more filling!
Individual Servings: For kids or guests, I sometimes make individual 8-10 portions in small ramekins. Just divide the bread, apples, and custard, then bake for 30-40 minutes, it's so fun and personalized!
Storing: I always let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making leftovers a breeze!
Freezing: If I have extra, I freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When I'm ready to enjoy it again, I just defrost it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: I reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. It's just as good the second time around!
❓ Recipe FAQs
Why is my baked French toast soggy?
To avoid a soggy casserole, I always use hearty, stale bread, it soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart. I also make sure to bake it long enough for the custard to set properly. Finally, I let it rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up, it's worth the wait!
Can you use stale bread to make french toast casserole?
Yes, I always recommend using sturdy bread! If the bread is too soft, it won't absorb the custard properly and can make the French toast soggy. When I don't have leftover bread, I go for dense options like sprouted whole wheat, it soaks up the custard beautifully, giving a casserole that's soft inside and crisp on top.
CAN I MAKE THIS AHEAD OF TIME?
Absolutely! I love making this casserole ahead of time for a stress-free morning. I assemble it as usual, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, I bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it starts off cold.
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