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; 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 universally comforting about waking up to the warm aroma of baked sweet bread and spices filling your kitchen. This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe has become a weekend favorite of mine, combining the cozy vibes of classic French toast with the convenience of a casserole — and yes, it’s completely 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

Honestly, this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes. It's easy to prep ahead, comes together with ingredients you probably have on hand, and the texture is spot-on—moist inside with a perfectly crisp, sweet topping. I love how it brings everyone to the table without any fuss or last-minute scrambling.

Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble this casserole the night before, so mornings feel relaxed and stress-free.
Silken tofu custard: Using tofu gives it that creamy richness without eggs or dairy, making it a perfect vegan twist.
Day-old bread magic: Repurposing dried-out bread keeps the casserole from being soggy while adding great texture.
Sweet cinnamon topping: The crunchy, buttery crust on top complements the soft custardy base like a dream.

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 recipe relies on a handful of wholesome, accessible ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one balances texture, flavor, or structure so your vegan French toast casserole isn’t just good—it’s memorable.

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 French or sourdough bread: Stale bread soaks up the custard without turning mushy; sourdough adds a lovely tang.
Silken tofu: Blends into a smooth, eggy custard base; its creaminess is key to keeping everything luscious.
Full-fat coconut milk: Adds richness and a subtle, tropical undertone without dairy.
Cornstarch: Thickens the custard nicely, giving it just the right firmness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard; this is balanced by the brown sugar topping.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor, elevating the whole casserole.
Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs perfectly with sweet coconut and vanilla notes.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and prevents the casserole from tasting flat.
Brown sugar (for topping): Adds that caramelized sweetness and crunch on top.
All-purpose flour (for topping): Helps bind the topping together while keeping it crumbly.
Vegan butter: Cold and cut in, it creates a flaky, buttery topping that's irresistible after baking.

📝

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 mixing things up with this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe depending on the season and what’s in my pantry. It’s such a flexible base that welcomes your favorite flavors, fruits, and even nuts!

Berry variation: Try adding fresh or thawed berries into the custard before soaking the bread—I’ve done this often in summer, and the burst of berry juice makes the casserole pop with freshness.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the brown sugar crumble for an extra texture boost.
Spice twist: Swap cinnamon for cardamom or pumpkin pie spice for a cozy, unexpected flavor.
Maple syrup swap: If you want to cut down on sugar, drizzle toasted coconut or a berry compote instead of syrup; it adds both sweetness and acidity in a lovely balance.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread

First, slice your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. I find it easiest to slice the loaf first, then cut those slices into cubes on a clean cutting board. Using day-old or slightly stale bread is key—it soaks up the custard without turning into mush. Then, lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish and spread your cubed bread evenly inside.

Step 2: Blend the Custard

Next, pour your silken tofu, coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into a blender. Blend everything until it’s perfectly smooth—this is your vegan "egg" custard. The smoother it is, the better it’ll coat the bread cubes and create that creamy texture we want.

Step 3: Soak and Chill

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish. Using your hands (clean ones, of course!), gently press the bread down into the custard a few times. This helps the bread absorb all that creamy goodness. Cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for 8-12 hours to soak overnight. If you’re short on time, you can bake immediately, but letting it soak really deepens the flavor and texture.

Step 4: Prep Topping and Bake

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. For the topping, mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Then, cut in cold vegan butter with a fork or your fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle this evenly over the soaked bread casserole and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes. Look for a golden brown crust on top — that’s your cue that it’s perfectly baked!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, I like to dust the casserole with a little powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Serve it warm with your favorite maple syrup (pure maple is my go-to) and prepare for some seriously happy taste buds.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned some small tricks that make this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe truly shine. A little attention to detail can elevate it from good to unforgettable.

Use true day-old bread: Don’t skip this step. Fresh bread soaks up too much moisture and makes the casserole soggy instead of custardy.
Drain your silken tofu well: Packaged tofu comes in water, so draining helps prevent a runny custard.
Press bread into custard: Gently pressing the bread while pouring allows for even soaking and richer flavor absorption.
Don't skip chilling: Soaking overnight in the fridge lets the bread fully absorb the custard, improving texture and flavor depth.

How to Serve Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it classic with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup. But some mornings, I sprinkle fresh berries or chopped toasted pecans to add a bit of color and texture. These toppings bring freshness and crunch, offering a lovely contrast to the soft casserole.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this with crispy vegan sausages or a simple fruit salad. A cup of strong coffee or chai tea makes the whole breakfast feel like a cozy celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in mini ramekins for individual servings—perfect for brunch parties. Adding a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top makes it extra festive and indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and it keeps its texture without drying out.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I slice individual portions and freeze them wrapped in parchment paper then foil. Frozen pieces thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat well in the oven or toaster oven, almost like fresh.

Reheating

I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the crumbled topping crisp. Microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose some crunchiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old for this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe?

It’s best to use day-old or stale bread because fresh bread soaks up too much liquid and can become soggy, making the casserole runny rather than custardy. If you only have fresh bread, try letting it air-dry uncovered for a few hours to remove moisture.

What type of tofu should I use for the custard?

Silken tofu is ideal for this recipe because it blends smoothly into a creamy custard without any graininess. Make sure to drain excess water from the tofu packaging for the best texture and avoid a runny custard.

Can I prepare the casserole the day before and bake it in the morning?

Absolutely! In fact, soaking the bread overnight in the custard enhances the flavor and texture significantly. Just cover your dish and refrigerate for 8-12 hours before baking as directed.

How should I store leftovers of the Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual portions wrapped well to preserve freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy enough for a casual weekend, yet special enough for friends or family brunch. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how you don’t need eggs or dairy to create something truly comforting and delicious. So go ahead, give it a try—your kitchen (and tummy) will thank you.