Name: Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 11 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large loaf (14-16 ounces) day-old French or sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups); 12 ounces silken tofu; 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 downright delightful about waking up to a warm, cozy breakfast that feels like a hug in food form. This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly that—a comforting, rich dish that’s perfect for weekends or special mornings when you want to impress without fuss. The luscious custard-soaked bread topped with a sweet cinnamon crumble will have everyone asking for seconds.

A white plate with a detailed lace-like edge holds a serving of golden brown bread pudding made of several irregular chunks of soft bread soaked in cinnamon and sugar. A light drizzle of amber syrup is being poured over the center of the bread pudding, catching the light and adding shine. In the background, a few bright red strawberries add a pop of color, with a silver fork resting on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. 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 has a special place in my heart because it’s as easy as it is elegant. I love how it combines simple pantry staples into a dish that feels indulgent. It’s a make-ahead wonder, too, which means less morning hassle and more time to savor your coffee.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning—hello, stress-free brunch!
Perfect Texture: The day-old bread soaks up the tofu-coconut custard without becoming soggy, giving you a creamy yet firm bite every time.
Deceptively Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples like silken tofu and coconut milk, it’s easy to pull together without complicated or hard-to-find stuff.
Flavor-packed Topping: That crunchy cinnamon-sugar crumble with vegan butter on top adds the perfect finishing touch—sweet, buttery, and oh so crave-worthy.

The dish shows a close-up of bread pudding in a white ceramic baking dish. There are many pieces of soft, golden brown bread layered closely together, some with a light crust and some darker caramelized edges. The top layer is sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar, creating a slight white dusting. The texture looks moist and soft, with the bread soaking in a creamy mixture that glistens slightly. A silver spoon is lifting a square portion of the pudding, showing the mix of crusty and soft textures with a warm, brown color from cinnamon or spices. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role. From the texture of the bread to the silky custard and crunchy topping, it’s all about harmony. Here are my thoughts on each piece of the puzzle so you know what to look for when you shop.

Flat lay of cubed day-old sourdough bread, a smooth block of silken tofu, a can of creamy full-fat coconut milk, a small mound of golden brown sugar, a pile of light brown cinnamon powder, a few chunks of cold vegan butter, a heap of pale all-purpose flour, and a vanilla bean pod, all beautifully arranged with 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 bread that’s a day or two old is vital because it soaks up the custard without turning to mush. French or sourdough loaves with sturdy crusts work beautifully.
Silken Tofu: This acts as the creamy base of the custard. I always drain it well to avoid too much liquid, which could make the casserole watery.
Full Fat Coconut Milk: Adds richness and a subtle tropical undertone without any dairy. Be sure to shake it well before measuring for consistency.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard so that it sets nicely without being runny.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard—but don’t worry, the recipe balances sweetness so it’s not overpowering.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and a lovely aroma that plays off the cinnamon perfectly.
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a must here for those classic French toast vibes—it provides a cozy spice note throughout.
Salt: The pinch of salt cuts through the sweetness, elevating all the flavors.
Brown Sugar (Topping): Used in the crumble topping for a deep, molasses-rich sweetness.
All Purpose Flour (Topping): Helps create that buttery, crisp topping texture we all love.
Vegan Butter (Topping): Cold butter gets cut in to add richness and helps the topping crisp up nicely as it bakes.

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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

One of the best parts about this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is how versatile it is. I often tweak it with different spices or mix-ins depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to put your own spin on it!

Variation: I’ve had great luck swapping the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall—adds such a cozy, festive vibe. Sometimes I toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, too.
Berries or Fruit: Stir fresh blueberries or sliced apples into the casserole before baking for a juicy burst of flavor.
Sweetener Swap: You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
Spice Level: If you like spice, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger blends beautifully with the cinnamon.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Like a Pro

Start by cutting your day-old bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. I slice the loaf horizontally first, then cut those slices into cubes. This makes it easy and keeps the pieces uniform, which helps the custard soak evenly. Once cut, lightly grease your 9x13 casserole dish and spread the bread cubes out so they’re in one layer.

Step 2: Blend Your Custard Base

Add your silken tofu, coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to a blender. Blend until it’s silky smooth with no lumps. This silky custard is the secret to that perfect custardy-egg flavor without any eggs whatsoever. It should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the bread.

Step 3: Soak and Refrigerate

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Then, using your hands, gently press the bread into the custard a few times to help it soak up all that luscious liquid. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. This overnight soak lets the bread absorb all that creamy goodness without getting soggy. If you’re short on time, you can bake it right away, but the texture is best after resting.

Step 4: Make the Topping and Bake

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut the cold vegan butter into the mixture with a fork or your fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, until the top turns golden and crisp, and the casserole is set through the center.

Top Tip

After making this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe a dozen times, I’ve picked up a few key tricks to make it absolutely foolproof and delicious every time.

Use Sturdy, Dry Bread: Fresh bread can cause sogginess; I always aim for day-old or slightly stale because it soaks the custard without falling apart.
Don’t Skip the Soak: Leaving it overnight makes all the difference in flavor and texture—plan ahead!
Keep That Topping Cold: Cold vegan butter in the crumble topping ensures a crumbly, buttery finish instead of a greasy mess.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Every oven is different, so if your casserole browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting mine with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of warm pure maple syrup right before serving. Fresh berries on top add a nice pop of color and brightness—especially strawberries or blueberries. Sometimes I’ll also throw on a few toasted nuts for contrast and crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with crispy vegan sausages or a fresh fruit salad for balance. A cup of rich coffee or chai tea rounds out the brunch perfectly. For a brunch crowd, I often serve it alongside some orange slices or a light green salad to cut through the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve baked individual portions in small ramekins topped with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It feels more luxe and elegant but keeps all the cozy charm. Another fun idea is to layer the casserole with sliced bananas or a berry compote inside the dish before soaking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s rare in my house!), store them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole holds up well but may lose a bit of the crisp topping’s texture, which you can revive under the broiler.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this casserole because the texture is best fresh, but it can work in a pinch. Freeze in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore that custardy softness and crisp topping. Microwaving works too, but you might miss out on that signature crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread for this casserole?

Using fresh bread isn’t ideal because it won’t absorb the custard properly, leading to a soggy casserole. It’s best to use day-old bread or let fresh bread dry out uncovered for several hours before using.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the bread for a gluten-free loaf and use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the topping. Make sure your vegan butter and other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep it safe and tasty.

What can I use instead of silken tofu?

Silken tofu provides creaminess and protein without eggs, but if you don’t have it, you can try a blend of cashew cream and plant milk. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.

Can I add fruits or nuts to this casserole?

Absolutely! Adding fresh fruits like berries or sliced apples before baking adds freshness and natural sweetness. Nuts like pecans or walnuts add texture and an extra nutty flavor—both are great ways to customize the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe has become my go-to recipe when I want something comforting, impressive, and simple all at once. It brings together familiar flavors in a fresh, plant-based way that appeals to vegans and non-vegans alike. I’m confident you’ll love the creamy texture and crunchy topping as much as I do—so why not give it a try and make your next brunch truly memorable?