Name: Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 11 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14-16 ounces day old large loaf 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

Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting, cozy dishes that fills your kitchen with the best aromas and makes mornings feel just right. It’s like a warm hug from the inside out—with a crispy, cinnamon-sugared topping and custardy softness underneath that melts in your mouth.

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’ve made a lot of vegan breakfast dishes over the years, but this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s the perfect dish for slow weekend mornings or holiday brunches when you want something indulgent yet plant-based. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare ahead.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and wake up to a ready-to-bake breakfast.
Using Silken Tofu: The secret ingredient to a creamy, egg-like custard without eggs.
Textural Perfection: Crispy on top and soft inside—exactly what you want in a casserole.
Budget & Waste Friendly: Uses day-old bread, helping you avoid waste and save money.

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

This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe blends simple pantry staples to create a rich, flavorful custard that soaks beautifully into dried bread. I love how coconut milk lends creaminess without overpowering the other flavors, and the cinnamon-sugar topping adds that nostalgic touch we all crave.

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: Essential to avoid sogginess; the bread soaks up the custard and holds its shape.
Silken Tofu: Provides a smooth, eggy texture—drain it well for the best consistency.
Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and richness without dairy.
Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener to keep the custard stable and luscious.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Balance sweetness in the custard and the topping.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Invokes warm, comforting notes that brighten the whole dish.
Ground Cinnamon: That classic French toast spice, essential for layers of flavor.
Vegan Butter: Cold butter in the topping gives you a beautiful crumbly texture when baked.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps create the crisp topping crust for a delightful contrast.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors—you’d be surprised how important it is.

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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

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to customize based on what you love or what you have on hand. I personally love adding a handful of chopped nuts or fresh berries before baking for a little extra texture and pop of flavor.

Add-ins: Slivered almonds or chopped pecans mixed into the topping add a delicious crunch that I swear makes it feel extra special.
Fruit Variations: Try stirring in thawed frozen berries or sliced bananas into the custard-soaked bread for a fruity twist. I’ve done this when hosting brunch and it’s always a hit.
Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with adding nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom to the custard for cozy seasonal vibes.
Sweetener Swaps: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be swapped in if you want a different kind of sweetness.

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

Step 1: Prep That Bread Right

Start by cutting your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. I find slicing the loaf into thick slices first helps make the cubing easier and more even. Once cubed, lightly grease your casserole dish so nothing sticks, then add the bread cubes in a single layer. Trust me, it’s worth going for sturdy bread like sourdough or traditional French bread—it holds up best in this dish.

Step 2: Blend the Creamy Custard

Into a blender toss the silken tofu, full-fat coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until silky smooth. This custard is the backbone of our casserole, so don’t rush here—the smoother, the better it will soak into your bread evenly. If your tofu feels too wet, drain some of the excess liquid beforehand.

Step 3: Soak and Chill

Pour that luscious custard over your bread cubes, then gently press down a few times with your hands to make sure every piece is soaking up all that goodness. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This step is key because it lets the bread transform into custardy perfection—though if you’re in a hurry, you can bake immediately, just know the texture will be a bit less developed.

Step 4: Make the Topping

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut cold vegan butter into this mix using a fork or your fingers until it clumps into coarse crumbs. Scatter this topping evenly over the soaked bread—it adds that dreamy golden crunch we all want.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes or until the top is gloriously golden and crisp, and the casserole is set in the center. A tip from me: check around the 40-minute mark and if you see the top darkening too fast, tent loosely with foil. It bakes so nicely and fills your kitchen smells with cinnamon and vanilla—that’s the sign you’re golden!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar and drizzle with warm pure maple syrup right before serving. I like to serve mine straight from the casserole dish—warm, cozy, and inviting. Everyone always asks for seconds!

Top Tip

After making this vegan french toast casserole a dozen times, I’ve picked up a few pointers that make all the difference in getting it just right every single time. Below are some tips that I swear by and want you to try.

Choose the Right Bread: Always use a sturdy, day-old bread with a tight crumb like sourdough or French bread to avoid that unpleasant soggy texture.
Drain the Tofu Well: Excess water in silken tofu can dilute the custard. Press some of the liquid out if needed for a rich, creamy custard.
Patience with Soaking: Overnight soaking really develops the custard’s flavor and texture, so plan ahead for the best results.
Topping Texture: Keep your vegan butter cold when mixing into the topping to get those buttery little lumps that bake into perfect crispness.

How to Serve Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little powdered sugar over the top for that classic bakery look. Sometimes, I add fresh sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries for a fresh burst of color and flavor. A drizzle of good-quality maple syrup is an absolute must for that sweet finish.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crispy breakfast potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For a cozy brunch, I often serve it alongside some smoky tempeh bacon or plant-based sausage for protein that complements the breakfast vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ll bake this casserole in mini ramekins to make individual servings feel fancy. You can even layer in thinly sliced fruit like apples or peaches between bread cubes before baking for a surprising fruity layer. It’s a lovely way to impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, cover leftovers tightly and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to help restore a bit of that crisp top, which microwave reheating simply can’t do as well.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this casserole before, wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh to warm it through. The texture holds up surprisingly well, making it a great make-ahead meal option.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to get the topping crisp again and heat the custard through evenly. This way, it tastes almost like freshly baked, perfect for busy weekday mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread for this recipe?

Using fresh bread will result in a soggy casserole because it won’t absorb the custard well. If all you have is fresh bread, let it air dry uncovered at room temperature for several hours to replicate day-old bread texture.

What type of tofu is best for Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe?

Silken tofu works best because it blends into a smooth custard-like consistency. Drain any excess water before blending to avoid a watery custard.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Substitute the bread with a gluten-free loaf and use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the topping. Also, double-check that your vegan butter and other ingredients are gluten free.

How long can I refrigerate the soaked casserole before baking?

You can refrigerate the soaked casserole for up to 12 hours before baking. The overnight soak really helps the bread absorb the custard and improves the flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe has become my go-to brunch item because it’s reliably delicious, easy to make ahead, and pleases vegans and non-vegans alike. I always feel a little proud serving it to friends—it looks so fancy but the recipe is totally hassle-free. Give it a try and I bet it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen too.