Name: Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 11 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 day old large loaf (14-16 ounces) french or sourdough bread, cut into 1 inch cubes (about 10 cups); 12 ounces silken tofu; 1 (13.5-ounce) can full fat coconut milk; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoons vegan butter, cold

There’s something so cozy and comforting about a warm, cinnamon-kissed breakfast that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas. This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly that—a luscious, dairy-free twist on a Sunday morning classic that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or meal prepping ahead for the week.

A white plate with a delicate lace-like edge holds a stack of golden brown bread pudding pieces that look soft and textured with a slightly crisp surface. A shiny, amber syrup is being poured over the center from a tilted jug above, catching the light as it flows down. In the background, slightly blurred, there are a few ripe strawberries with green tops. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore how this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe manages to feel indulgent without any animal products. It’s creamy, spiced just right, and has that perfect crunchy brown sugar topping that makes you want to dig right in. Honestly, it’s become my go-to for weekend brunches.

Ultimate Comfort Food: This casserole’s custardy texture paired with a crisp topping feels just like a traditional French toast, but fully plant-based.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep it the night before, so when morning rolls around, just pop it in the oven and relax.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy vegan specialty items needed—just pantry staples and everyday bread.
Customizable: Whether you want it sweeter, spicier, or with fruit, this recipe is so flexible to your taste and occasion.

A close-up of a spoon lifting a piece of bread pudding from a white dish, showing several layers of toasted, golden-brown bread chunks with soft, moist centers. The bread is coated with a cinnamon-spiced, sugary mixture that has a slightly crumbly texture and some light dusting of powdered sugar. The background is a white marbled surface with scattered pieces of bread pudding visible in the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Using tofu and coconut milk forms that creamy, custard-like base, while day-old bread soaks it up beautifully without falling apart.

Flat lay of golden crusty sourdough bread cubes, smooth silken tofu block, creamy coconut milk in a small glass jar, light brown granulated sugar piles, rich brown sugar heaps, sticks of cold vegan butter, warm cinnamon powder sprinkled artistically, and a small bottle of pure vanilla extract, all beautifully arranged with soft natural light highlighting their textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Day old bread: Bread that’s a little stale soaks up the custard well without turning mushy—fresh bread just won’t hold up as nicely.
Silken tofu: This gives the casserole its creamy texture and protein boost without any eggs.
Full-fat coconut milk: Adds richness and a subtle tropical note that blends seamlessly with cinnamon and vanilla.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard so it sets perfectly while baking.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right; you can adjust depending on your preference.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth that makes this feel like a special treat.
Ground cinnamon: The hallmark spice of French toast, aromatic and cozy.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and boost the overall flavor.
Brown sugar for topping: Caramelizes into a crunchy, buttery crust.
All-purpose flour: Combines with the brown sugar to create that crumbly topping.
Vegan butter: Adds richness and helps the topping brown and crisp.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe by adding a handful of fresh berries right before baking or swapping coconut milk for almond milk if I want a lighter touch. It’s so flexible, so feel free to personalize it to your cravings.

Berry Burst Variation: Adding blueberries or raspberries tossed gently into the bread cubes adds bursts of color and juicy sweetness. It’s a family favorite twist I’ve come back to again and again.
Maple and Nutty: Try folding in chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping for a lovely crunch and nutty depth.
Spice It Up: Boost the cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice in autumn for a cozy seasonal vibe.
Gluten-Free: Swap the bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf, just be sure it’s firm and dry for the best texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Bread

First things first: cut your day-old bread into generous 1-inch cubes. I find it easiest to slice the loaf into thick slabs, then cut those into cubes. Toss the cubes into a lightly greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading them evenly. This forms the base for soaking up that luscious custard.

Step 2: Blending the Custard

Into your blender goes silken tofu, drained if it’s watery, full-fat coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Blend until it’s ultra-smooth and creamy—this mixture is the secret to that perfect custard texture that holds the casserole together without eggs.

Step 3: Soaking the Bread

Pour the silky custard over the bread cubes, then use your hands to gently press the bread into the liquid a couple times to make sure all the pieces absorb those flavors. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for the best soaking.

Step 4: Preparing the Topping and Baking

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix together brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in cold vegan butter with a fork or your fingers until you have a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this evenly over the soaked bread and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, I sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness and serve it warm with pure maple syrup. It’s just heavenly to watch everyone dig in– the crispy topping with soft, custardy bread inside makes each bite a delight.

Top Tip

From my experience, the biggest key to a perfect Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is the bread you choose and the soaking time. I’ve learned these little nuances make a huge difference in texture and overall deliciousness.

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread will soak up the custard too quickly and become soggy—dry or stale bread holds the mixture better and bakes to a satisfying texture.
Don’t Skimp on Soaking: I recommend at least 8 hours in the fridge, but if you’re short on time, even 2 hours helps the bread absorb the custard well.
Cold Vegan Butter in Topping: Just like in pie crust, keeping the butter cold allows the topping to crisp up beautifully instead of melting flat.
Evenly Press Bread Into Custard: Pressing gently ensures every cube is soaked through, no dry spots.

How to Serve Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it classic with a drizzle of pure maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Sometimes, I toss on fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity brightness that cuts the richness perfectly. Toasted nuts on top add a nice crunch too if that’s your style!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy vegan bacon or sautéed spinach to add some savory balance. For a fuller brunch, I’ve served it alongside fresh fruit salad or my favorite tofu scramble.

Creative Ways to Present

For special brunch occasions, I like to bake individual portions in small ramekins and garnish each with a rosemary sprig or edible flowers for an elegant twist. Layering with alternating fruit or chocolate chips inside also turns it into a festive centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole keeps well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store it in the original baking dish wrapped tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep it moist and prevent drying out.

Freezing

I’ve had good success freezing portions of the Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe. Just wrap well in airtight containers or foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping gets a bit crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can make the topping soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of bread for the Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe?

It’s best to use day-old, sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread. Fresh bread tends to absorb too much custard and becomes mushy. If you only have fresh bread, let it dry out uncovered for a few hours before using.

Is silken tofu necessary, or can I substitute something else?

Silken tofu is key for this recipe because it blends smoothly and creates a creamy custard base without eggs or dairy. Tofu packed in water is fine if you drain it well, but firm tofu won’t give the same texture.

Can I prepare this casserole in the morning and bake it immediately?

Yes! If you don’t have time to soak the bread overnight, you can bake right after assembling. The texture won’t be quite as custardy, but still delicious and satisfying.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover casserole?

Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to bring back the crisp topping and warm through without sogginess. Microwaving can make the topping soft, so oven reheating is preferred.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the dish that makes weekend mornings feel like a warm hug. It’s approachable, forgiving, and endlessly satisfying. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and add your own flair to this plant-based classic. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your brunch rotation too!