Vegan French Toast Casserole
This vegan French toast casserole is custardy, cinnamon-rum-laced, and perfect for make-ahead brunches or lazy weekend mornings. It’s got all the nostalgic energy of diner French toast—but in cozy casserole form, making it super easy to serve for a large family breakfast or potluck.
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 302kcal
Cost: $6
Ingredients
- 1 lb. loaf of stale bread ideally vegan brioche if you can find it
- 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk
- ¼ cup spiced rum optional
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch arrowroot, or potato starch
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar palm sugar, or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
Toppings:
- Vegan whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish or casserole dish.
- Cut the bread into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the plant-based milk, rum (if you are using it), vegan butter, starch, coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and the butter has fully melted.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing firmly with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. If preparing in advance, cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-18 minutes until the top is firm and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Top with vegan whipped cream, fresh berries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup as desired.
Notes
🍞 Crust in Peace:
Use day-old or lightly toasted bread to prevent a soggy center. Soft, fresh loaves don’t hold up.
🛌 Hit Snooze:
Let the custard sit in the bread for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for max flavor absorption.
Nutrition
Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 2g | Sodium: 518mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 2mg