Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe for Easy Breakfast

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a warm, cinnamon-spiced French toast casserole fresh out of the oven. But if you’re vegan, traditional recipes laden with eggs and dairy can feel off-limits.

Fear not! This vegan French toast casserole recipe offers all the comforting flavors and textures you crave, without any animal products.

It’s perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a sweet, satisfying breakfast. Using plant-based milk, chickpea flour, and a touch of cornstarch, the custard mixture absorbs beautifully into thick slices of bread, creating a golden, custardy delight that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also highly customizable to suit your taste buds. Whether you like yours loaded with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or drizzled with maple syrup, this casserole can do it all.

Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making your morning stress-free. Dive into this vegan-friendly version of a classic, and discover how delicious plant-based eating can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan French toast casserole is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it mimics the rich, creamy texture of traditional French toast without any eggs or dairy, thanks to the clever use of chickpea flour and plant-based milk.

It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring solo with a hot cup of coffee.

Another reason to love it is its versatility. You can easily swap the bread or add your favorite fruits and nuts to customize your casserole.

It also keeps well in the fridge for a few days and reheats beautifully, making it a practical choice for meal prepping.

Lastly, this recipe is allergen-friendly, soy-free, and refined sugar-free if you choose your sweeteners wisely. It’s a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish that fits seamlessly into a vegan lifestyle or anyone looking to reduce animal products.

Ingredients

• 8 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread, sourdough, or challah-style vegan bread)
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1/2 cup chickpea flour
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegan butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
• Optional toppings: fresh berries, chopped walnuts or pecans, sliced bananas, vegan whipped cream, extra maple syrup

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Aluminum foil (optional)
• Oven

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread: Cut your day-old bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Using day-old bread helps it absorb the custard better without becoming soggy.
2. Grease the baking dish: Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with coconut oil or vegan butter to prevent sticking.
3. Layer the bread: Spread the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. If you want, sprinkle some optional nuts or fruits between the layers for added texture and flavor.
4. Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, chickpea flour, maple syrup, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, salt, and melted coconut oil until smooth and well combined. The chickpea flour acts as the egg substitute, giving the custard a thick, silky consistency.
5. Pour custard over bread: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure all pieces soak up the liquid.
6. Let it soak: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, creating a custardy texture once baked.
7. Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake the casserole: Remove the plastic wrap or foil and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
9. Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, or vegan whipped cream as desired.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For the best texture, use bread that is at least a day old. Fresh bread tends to get mushy rather than custardy.

To make this recipe nut-free, skip the optional nuts and use a seed-based milk like oat or rice milk.

For a chocolate twist, stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the custard mixture and top with vegan chocolate chips before baking.

You can also swap maple syrup for agave nectar or coconut sugar to adjust sweetness according to your preference. Adding a tablespoon of orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the custard mixture creates a lovely citrus aroma, perfect for spring brunches.

Want to add more texture? Sprinkle shredded coconut or vegan granola on top before baking for a crunchy surprise.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan French toast casserole pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like coffee, chai latte, or fresh fruit juices. For a savory balance, serve alongside crispy tempeh bacon or sautéed mushrooms.

For an extra special brunch, offer a side of fresh fruit salad or steamed greens tossed with lemon and olive oil. You can also drizzle a bit of vegan caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar for a decadent finish.

If you love baking, try pairing this dish with my Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat after your brunch.

Looking for more comforting vegan dishes? Check out the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to bake your own bread for next time!

Conclusion

This vegan French toast casserole is a perfect blend of comforting flavors and thoughtful plant-based ingredients. It’s an excellent way to start your morning with a dish that feels indulgent but is also wholesome and easy to prepare.

The custard’s rich texture, infused with cinnamon and vanilla, combined with the soft bread cubes, creates a delightful dish that everyone can enjoy regardless of dietary preferences.

Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to try something new, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit your tastes. It’s also a great make-ahead option, freeing up your morning for relaxation or entertaining guests.

Give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite breakfast tradition that’s both delicious and kind to the planet.

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