Vegan French Toast Casserole (2 Ways) Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting, delicious breakfast that everyone can enjoy regardless of dietary preferences, look no further than this Vegan French Toast Casserole (2 Ways) Recipe. Imagine custardy, perfectly baked slices of bread soaked in a fragrant cinnamon-vanilla custard, topped with a golden, crunchy pecan crumble that adds both texture and a nutty sweetness. This dish beautifully captures the essence of classic French toast but in the form of a cozy casserole that’s effortless to prepare, whether you choose to cube the bread or layer it as slices. Best of all, it requires fewer than ten simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have, making it a dream to whip up for brunch or a weekend treat. Plus, with options to make it ahead or even overnight, it’s designed for your convenience without sacrificing flavor or charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for the Vegan French Toast Casserole (2 Ways) Recipe is refreshingly simple, and each component plays a crucial role. From the choice of bread that forms the base to the brown sugar and cinnamon that offer warmth and sweetness, every item enhances this dish’s texture, aroma, and taste.

• Bread (450g / 1 lb): Use stale vegan brioche, French, Italian, sourdough or challah for the best custardy soak and texture.
• Dairy-free Milk (2 cups / 500g): This creates the luscious custard base without dairy, keeping the dish vegan.
• Brown Sugar (¼ cup / 50g): Adds natural sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor that deepens during baking.
• Cornstarch or Ground Flax/Chia Seed (3 tbsp): These thicken the custard to perfection and add body to the bake.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tbsp): The spice that brings warmth and invites your senses to wake up happily.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp): Infuses a lovely aroma and richness that makes the casserole taste indulgent.
• Black Salt (1 tsp) or Regular Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavors with an interesting, savory undertone, especially if using black salt for a subtle eggy note.
• All-purpose Flour (¼ cup / 30g, for topping): Binds the crumbly topping ingredients for a crisp finish.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (¼ cup / 25g, for topping): Provides delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
• Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps the crumble brown beautifully in the oven.
• Light Brown Sugar (2 tbsp, for topping): Sweetens the crumble so it complements the casserole perfectly.
• Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp, for topping): Ties the topping flavor to the custard inside, making every bite harmonious.

How to Make Vegan French Toast Casserole (2 Ways) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Custard Mixture

Start by cutting your stale bread into roughly one-inch cubes or slices, depending on the texture you prefer. Cubes give a more rustic, fluffy bake while slices create neat, layered portions. Next, whisk together your dairy-free milk, brown sugar, cornstarch (or ground flax seeds), cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. This mixture will thicken slightly if left to rest, forming the luscious custard soak that our bread will absorb for ultimate flavor. If the thickening agents settle, simply whisk again to ensure everything blends smoothly.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Grease an approximately 11 by 6 inch casserole dish to ensure your bake doesn’t stick. If you’re using cubed bread, evenly scatter the cubes across the dish. Pour your custard mixture over the bread, making sure each piece is fully coated—this is key for that irresistibly moist inside. For sliced bread, press each piece gently into the dish and pour the custard over, nudging the slices to soak evenly. Cover and allow the bread to soak for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, refrigeration overnight will let the custard seep deep, creating a more custardy final bite.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Crumble Topping

While your casserole soaks, whisk together all the topping ingredients in a bowl: flour, chopped pecans or walnuts, vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using your fingers or a spoon, mix until the ingredients combine into a crumbly texture with no dry pockets. This topping will bake golden and crisp, adding that irresistible crunch on each serving.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) before sprinkling the crumble topping evenly over your soaked bread. Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes until the surface is gorgeously golden and the inside is set without any liquid pooling beneath. This step is where magic happens as custardy softness meets crunchy topping in delightful harmony.

How to Serve Vegan French Toast Casserole (2 Ways) Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your serving experience, dust the casserole with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a handful of toasted nuts brighten the plate with color and texture. Maple syrup is, of course, a classic partner—its rich sweetness seeps into every crevice, making each bite a sheer delight.

Side Dishes

This vegan casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Crisp roasted potatoes or sautéed greens can balance the sweetness and add savory contrast. For something lighter, a fresh fruit salad or a drizzle of vegan yogurt adds a refreshing note that complements the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving the casserole straight from the dish is cozy and inviting, but for gatherings, portion slices onto pretty plates. Try layering with dollops of coconut whipped cream or a smear of nut butter alongside to create a feast for the eyes and palate. For a fun twist, serve mini portions in individual ramekins for personalized indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover portions can be stored in the same casserole dish, covered tightly, in the refrigerator for up to three days. This lets you enjoy this comforting dish again without losing its delightful texture or flavor.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep this casserole for longer, it’s freezer-friendly too. Wrap portions tightly in foil or an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for a convenient breakfast or snack.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy your leftovers, sprinkle a few tablespoons of dairy-free milk over the casserole to add moisture back in. Warm it gently in the oven at 210°F (100°C) until heated through, preserving that lovely custardy texture without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe is versatile and works well with vegan brioche, French bread, Italian bread, sourdough, or challah. Stale bread is actually preferred as it absorbs the custard better without falling apart.

Is black salt necessary for the recipe?

Black salt is optional but highly recommended if you want to replicate the subtle eggy flavor often found in traditional French toast. If you don’t have it, regular sea salt works perfectly well too.

Can I prepare this casserole entirely the night before?

Yes! Preparing it overnight in the fridge is an excellent way to deepen the custard’s flavor and make your morning stress-free. Just cover your assembled casserole and let the bread soak while you sleep.

What if I don’t have pecans for the crumble topping?

No worries at all. You can substitute chopped walnuts, seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, or even omit the nuts entirely while still enjoying a crunchy, satisfying topping.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

With a few simple swaps—like using gluten-free bread and gluten-free flour for the crumble—this casserole can definitely be adapted for gluten-free diets without losing its delightful character.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Toast Casserole (2 Ways) Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone craving a cozy, heartwarming breakfast or brunch without fuss. Its luscious custard, crisp topping, and flavor-packed simple ingredients come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try both styles and find your favorite way to enjoy this treasured vegan comfort food. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen and a hit with family or friends every time!

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