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 about the cozy warmth of a baked breakfast that just feels like a hug from the inside. This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer when you want an impressive brunch without the fuss. The creamy, cinnamon-spiced custard soaked into crisp-topped bread will wow anyone at your table — trust me, it’s become a weekend staple for me!

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

This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes: it’s simple to prep ahead, totally dairy-free yet silky smooth, and perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping breakfast bonus-worthy throughout the week. I was skeptical at first, but once I tried it, it instantly became a go-to for lazy weekend mornings.

Make Ahead Magic: Soaking the bread overnight means you can prep quickly and bake fresh in the morning—or even bake right away if short on time.
Silken Tofu Custard: This sneaky ingredient gives a rich, creamy texture without any eggs or dairy, making it perfect for a vegan diet.
Crunchy Cinnamon Topping: The sweet and buttery crisp layer on top adds an irresistible texture contrast that everyone raves about.
Flexible & Crowd-Friendly: Easily doubles or adapts with your favorite mix-ins, so you never get bored of this comforting classic.

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

The beauty of this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe lies in the simple synergy of ingredients that create those layers of flavor and texture. Using day-old bread is a must for soaking up that luscious custard without turning mushy. Let me break down why each ingredient plays a starring role.

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: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart — sourdough or French bread works best.
Silken tofu: This is your creamy binder replacement for eggs, blending smoothly to make the custard rich and silky.
Full fat coconut milk: Adds richness and subtle sweetness while keeping the recipe vegan.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard so it sets beautifully when baked.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the warm spices.
Vanilla extract: Brings depth and a lovely aroma that complements the cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon: Warms the whole dish with its classic cozy spice.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Brown sugar, flour, cinnamon (Topping): Combine to create that delightfully crunchy and flavorful crust.
Vegan butter: Cold and cut in to the topping for rich, tender crumbs that bake to golden perfection.

📝

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 depending on the season or who’s coming over. The base is so versatile that you can add in fruits, swap spices, or change the topping for a totally new spin. Making it your own is half the fun — you’ll impress yourself more than anyone else!

Berry Burst Variation: My favorite twist is stirring in fresh or thawed berries like blueberries or raspberries just before baking – it adds a pop of color and tartness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the streusel topping for an extra crunchy texture that’s irresistible.
Spice Swap: Experiment with adding nutmeg or cardamom instead of or alongside cinnamon for a warming twist.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Like a Pro

Start by slicing your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart. I like to lightly grease my casserole dish before layering in the bread, which keeps everything from sticking and makes serving way easier.

Step 2: Blend the Velvety Custard

Drain any excess water from your silken tofu to avoid a runny custard. Then, toss the tofu, coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into your blender and whip it until completely smooth. This mixture is the heart of your casserole, so make sure it’s silky and lump-free.

Step 3: Soak and Chill for Magic

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes and gently press the bread down a few times with your hands to help it absorb that custard goodness. Cover the dish and let it rest in the fridge for 8 to 12 hours. This overnight soak is what gives you those custardy, melt-in-your-mouth bites. If you’re pressed for time, you can bake it right away but the texture won’t be quite as tender.

Step 4: Whip Up the Topping & Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F when ready to bake. Mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the topping in a bowl, then cut in cold vegan butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this evenly over your soaked bread, pop it in the oven, and bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes until it’s bubbling and golden brown on top.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, a light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of warm maple syrup brings this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe to life. Serve it fresh and watch it disappear fast!

Top Tip

Through my many attempts perfecting this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe, I’ve learned that the soak time and the bread choice make all the difference. Here's what’s helped me every time I make it.

Choose Your Bread Wisely: Always use day-old bread or dry fresh bread out a few hours to avoid a soggy casserole.
Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: Even just a few hours in the fridge helps, but overnight gives you that perfect custardy texture.
Cold Butter is Key: Cutting cold vegan butter into the topping ensures those sweet crumbs bake up crisp instead of melting into a greasy topping.
Cover While Soaking, Not Baking: Cover the dish during soaking to keep flavors sealed, but bake uncovered to let the top crisp up beautifully.

How to Serve Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of warm pure maple syrup—classic and elegant. For special occasions, fresh berries or sliced bananas add a fresh, vibrant pop. If I’m feeling indulgent, a dollop of coconut whipped cream makes it extra luxurious.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with crispy tempeh bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a savory contrast. A fresh fruit salad or steamed greens can bring balance to the sweetness. My go-to is always a freshly brewed pot of coffee or cinnamon-spiced chai tea—it just elevates the whole experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, I’ve served this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe in cute mini ramekins - each guest gets their own personal casserole. It’s delightful and feels so special. Another fun idea is layering the casserole in a clear glass dish so guests can admire those custardy layers while baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which I suspect might be rare), cover the casserole tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as comforting the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual portions wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. When you want a quick breakfast treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. The texture holds up really well—perfect for busy mornings!

Reheating

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to refresh the crispy topping. You can also microwave briefly, but you might lose that perfect crust. My preference is low and slow in the oven for the best texture revival.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

It’s best to use day-old or slightly stale bread because fresh bread tends to absorb too much custard and become soggy. If you only have fresh bread, leave it out uncovered for a few hours to dry before using.

Is silken tofu necessary? Can I substitute it?

Silken tofu is important for providing that creamy, egg-like custard texture without dairy. Substitutions can be tricky—all-purpose flour, chickpea flour, or vegan egg replacers may work but will change the texture. I recommend sticking with silken tofu for best results.

How long can I soak the casserole before baking?

You can soak the casserole overnight for 8 to 12 hours in the fridge, which is ideal for texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, it can be baked immediately after pouring the custard, but it won’t be as custardy and rich.

Can I add fruit or nuts?

Absolutely! Adding fresh berries or sliced bananas before baking gives a fresh burst of flavor. Tossing in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the topping adds a lovely crunch. Just be sure not to overload the dish, so it still bakes evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe has become such a comforting ritual for me — the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and that cozy homemade vibe. It’s my little secret weapon for impressing guests or making any morning feel special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s like giving yourself a warm breakfast hug!