Name: Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 11 h
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 irresistibly cozy about a warm, comforting bake first thing in the morning — and this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe hits that spot every time. It’s a perfect blend of creamy custard-soaked bread with a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced topping that’ll make you forget it’s fully plant-based!

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 can’t stress enough how much I adore this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s my go-to for holiday mornings or lazy weekends when I want something that feels indulgent but is still totally plant-powered and healthy. Plus, it’s so forgiving and practically makes itself overnight!

Overnight Prep: Letting it soak overnight means your mornings are hands-off and stress-free, with maximum flavor absorption.
Silken Tofu Custard: It gives you that rich, creamy custard texture without any eggs or dairy, making it perfect for vegans.
Crunchy, Cinnamon Topping: The buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping adds a delightful texture that contrasts with the soft inside.
Flexible & Comforting: It works great for family breakfasts, brunch parties, or even a comforting dessert that everyone will love.

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 key role in creating layers of texture and flavor. You don’t need fancy stuff—just simple pantry staples that come together beautifully. Here's why I use them:

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: Using day-old or slightly dried bread ensures it absorbs the custard perfectly without falling apart or turning mushy.
Silken tofu: This is your secret weapon for creamy, egg-like custard texture that stays light and smooth.
Full-fat coconut milk: Adds richness and a subtle hint of tropical flavor, making the custard luxuriously smooth.
Cornstarch: It helps thicken the casserole custard, keeping everything nicely set without being runny.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Sweeten the custard and topping distinctly, balancing richness and spice.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to every bite, enhancing all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice here — it adds warmth and that classic French toast aroma we all crave.
Salt: Just a pinch brightens up the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Vegan butter: Cold vegan butter in the topping creates that perfect crumbly texture and buttery finish.
All-purpose flour: Combines with the brown sugar and vegan butter to give the topping its irresistible crunch.

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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 how versatile this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve played with flavors, toppings, and even bread types, and each variation brings something special.

Gluten-Free Variation: Swap the bread with your favorite gluten-free loaf for a celiac-friendly breakfast, just watch the soak time as gluten-free breads absorb liquid differently.
Fruit Add-Ins: I sometimes toss fresh berries or sliced bananas into the custard layer for a juicy surprise in every bite.
Nutty Twist: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking add a lovely crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for warming variations that wow your guests.

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

Step 1: Cubing the Bread Just Right

Start by cutting your day-old loaf into roughly 1-inch cubes. I usually slice the loaf into thick slices first, then chop those into cubes on my cutting board. Using day-old or dried-out bread here is crucial — if you use fresh bread, your casserole risks turning soggy. Lightly grease your 9x13-inch casserole dish, then spread the cubes evenly inside.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Tofu Custard

Pour your silken tofu (make sure to drain off excess water if it seems too wet), coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into a blender. Blend until the mixture is ultra smooth and creamy. This custard mix is the heart of the casserole—it’s what makes it luscious and egg-free.

Step 3: Marinate the Bread Overnight (or Not!)

Pour the custard evenly over your bread cubes. Then, get your hands a little messy—gently press the bread down into the custard a few times so it soaks up well. Cover and refrigerate for anywhere from 8 to 12 hours (overnight is perfect), though you can bake it right away if you’re short on time—it just won’t be as custardy inside.

Step 4: Baking with a Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F while you whip up the topping. Combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add cold vegan butter, cutting it in with a fork or your fingers until it looks crumbly. Sprinkle this crumble all over the casserole and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown top and a cooked-through, custardy interior.

Step 5: Serving Up the Best Vegan French Toast

Once baked, dust lightly with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm maple syrup before serving. Trust me, the warm, sticky syrup combined with that cinnamon crumb topping is pure bliss!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few handy tips that really take this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe from great to unforgettable. Here’s what I want you to keep in mind:

Day-old bread is a must: Fresh bread can release too much moisture and ruin the texture. If you forget to plan ahead, just spread fresh bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry out at room temperature for a few hours before using.
Press the bread gently: When soaking the custard, don’t stir—just press the bread so it soaks evenly without breaking apart.
Use cold vegan butter in the topping: This helps create a crumbly, crisp topping rather than a greasy mess.
Don’t skip the overnight soak: This step lets flavors deepen and ensures the custard fully penetrates the bread for a creamy finish.

How to Serve Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and classic—just a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. Sometimes I’ll add fresh berries or sliced bananas for color and freshness, especially if I’m serving guests.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with vegan sausage links or crispy tofu scramble if you want something savory on the side. A fresh fruit salad or a dollop of coconut yogurt also complements the sweet, cinnamon flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I like to serve the casserole in individual ramekins—makes it feel extra special and easy to portion. You can also dust with cinnamon or nutmeg on top, and lay out a syrup station with different toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dairy-free whipped cream for a fun build-your-own style breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in the refrigerator. I store mine in an airtight container and find that it stays delicious for up to 4 days. The texture softens a bit but remains flavorful and custardy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times successfully. If you want to freeze it, bake it first, let cool, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop it back in the oven until warmed through and crispy on top.

Reheating

For reheating, I recommend using the oven or toaster oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes. This brings back the crispiness on top and warms the custard evenly—microwaving tends to make it a bit soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of bread for this casserole?

You want to use sturdy, day-old bread like French bread or sourdough. Breads that are too soft or fresh will get soggy and fall apart. If you only have fresh bread, try letting it sit out uncovered for a few hours to dry before using.

What makes silken tofu important in this recipe?

Silken tofu creates a creamy, smooth base that replaces eggs and dairy in the custard. It blends into a custard-like consistency that’s rich without being heavy or greasy.

Can I prepare this casserole the same day I want to bake it?

Yes, you can bake it immediately after assembling, but letting it soak overnight in the fridge really improves the texture and flavor—the bread absorbs the custard better and the spices deepen.

How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness. Freezing is also possible for up to 2 months when baked and wrapped well.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is close to my heart because it brings that cozy, homemade feeling without the fuss or animal products. Whether you’re making brunch for family, prepping ahead for guests, or simply spoiling yourself on the weekend, it’s a winner every time. I’m confident you’ll find just as much joy in slicing into its soft, spiced layers as I do—so go on, treat yourself to a slice (or two) of this deliciousness!