Name: Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 11 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large loaf (14-16 ounces) french or sourdough bread, cut into 1 inch cubes (about 10 cups); 12 ounces silken tofu; 13.5 ounces full fat coconut milk (1 can); 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 cozy dishes that fills your kitchen with a sweet, cinnamon-y aroma and feels like a warm hug on a lazy weekend morning. Trust me, this is a dish you'll want to make again and again—not just because it's delicious, but because it’s surprisingly easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.

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 quickly become a go-to for me whenever I want something decadent but fuss-free. It’s got that custardy, fluffy texture without eggs or dairy, which is honestly kind of magic. Plus, you can prep it the night before and wake up to breakfast already half done. Let me share why it stands out.

Custard made from tofu and coconut milk: This combo creates a silky, rich base that soaks perfectly into the bread cubes without weighing the dish down.
Use of day-old bread: It’s key to avoiding sogginess and helps the bread absorb all the flavors just right.
Crunchy cinnamon sugar topping: Adds a sweet, crisp contrast to the soft casserole beneath—it’s mind-blowing.
Make-ahead convenience: You can assemble it the night before, perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.

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

What I love about this vegan casserole is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet they come together to deliver complex, comforting flavors. These staples are pantry-friendly, too, so you might already have most of them at home.

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 stale bread is a must to avoid a mushy texture; it soaks up the custard beautifully while holding its shape.
Silken tofu: The secret to that creamy custard-like texture without eggs—just make sure to drain excess water to keep it thick.
Full-fat coconut milk: Adds richness and a subtle hint of tropical flavor, complementing the cinnamon perfectly.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard so it sets up nicely in the oven.
Granulated sugar & brown sugar: Both bring sweetness; the brown sugar in the topping adds moisture and crispness.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor that feels so classic.
Cinnamon: The star spice here—warm, fragrant, and pairs perfectly with maple syrup.
Salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Vegan butter: Used cold in the topping to create a crumbly, crisp texture once baked.
All-purpose flour: Binds the topping ingredients together for that perfect crumble.

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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 things I adore about this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your own tastes. I sometimes add a handful of fresh berries for a little fruity surprise or swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during fall. You can really make it your own.

Variation: I once added chopped walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and it gave the casserole a lovely nutty vibe. Feel free to experiment with nuts or seeds you love!
Dietary tweaks: Want it sugar-free? Swap out granulated sugar for a natural sweetener like maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener. Just adjust the amount to taste.
Seasonal twists: In winter, I love stirring in a bit of orange zest in the custard for a bright, zesty note that pairs perfectly with 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 1-inch cubes. I find it easiest to slice the loaf first, then cut those slices into cubes. Lightly grease your 9x13 inch casserole dish so nothing sticks, then spread the cubes evenly across the dish.

Step 2: Blend up your custard

In a blender, combine your silken tofu (make sure to drain it well), coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until you get a perfectly smooth, creamy custard. It should be silky with no lumps. Pour this over the bread cubes carefully, then press the bread down into the custard a few times using your hands so the cubes soak up the goodness.

Step 3: Let it soak overnight (or at least 8 hours)

Cover your casserole with foil or plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for 8-12 hours. This resting step lets the bread absorb all that flavor and moisture for a custardy, tender bite. If you’re in a rush, you can bake immediately, but you’ll miss out on that deep soak.

Step 4: Prepare and bake the topping

When it’s baking time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut cold vegan butter into the mixture using a fork or your fingers until it forms crumbly clumps. Sprinkle this topping evenly over your casserole.

Step 5: Bake to golden perfection

Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with sweet goodness. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is crisp and the custard has set fully in the center.

Step 6: Plate and enjoy

Once out of the oven, I like to dust mine lightly with powdered sugar and serve warm with real maple syrup drizzled generously on top. It’s the ultimate comfort breakfast or brunch.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few handy tips for making this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe come out perfectly every time. These little tweaks have made a big difference in texture and flavor—and they’ll help you avoid common slip-ups.

Dry bread is key: I always make sure my bread is truly dry, sometimes leaving fresh bread uncovered for several hours if needed, to avoid a soggy casserole.
Drain tofu well: Excess moisture from silken tofu can water down your custard, so always give it a good press or drain before blending.
Press the bread firmly: After pouring custard over the bread, press it down a few times to force the pieces to soak up all that creamy goodness evenly.
Topping timing: Add the crumbly topping right before baking so it stays nice and crisp rather than soggy.

How to Serve Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

When serving, I keep it simple but festive. A dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup are a must in my book. Sometimes, I toss a handful of fresh berries or sliced bananas on top for color and freshness. Toasted nuts or a dollop of coconut whipped cream are fancy touches I like for brunch guests.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this casserole with crisp apple slices or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness. For a heartier meal, plant-based sausage or crispy tofu bacon compliments beautifully without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've baked this casserole in individual ramekins—they make lovely single servings and look adorable. Another idea is layering the casserole with fruit compote in a glass trifle dish for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually slice portions and reheat them individually for quick breakfasts.

Freezing

Freezing works too! I freeze it in airtight containers or wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

To keep that delightful crisp topping, I prefer reheating leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes instead of the microwave. It'll freshen up the casserole without making it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread for this recipe?

It’s best to use day-old or stale bread because it absorbs the custard better without turning soggy. If you only have fresh bread, leave it uncovered at room temperature for a few hours to dry out before using.

What type of tofu should I use?

Use silken tofu—preferably the Mori-Nu brand or similar packed in water. It blends smoothly to create the custard texture. Just be sure to drain any excess water before blending.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the regular bread with a gluten-free loaf that’s a bit stale, and use gluten-free flour in the topping. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for best results.

How long can I keep the casserole before baking?

You can soak the casserole in the refrigerator anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, which makes it perfect for prepping ahead of time. I wouldn’t recommend going much longer than that, as the bread can get overly soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe feels like a little culinary miracle: simple ingredients transforming into a breakfast masterpiece. I genuinely recommend giving it a try, especially if you enjoy treating yourself or feeding others something special without spending all morning in the kitchen. With a little patience and the right prep, you’ll have a dish that brings smiles, warm memories, and maybe even new breakfast traditions.