Description
This Vegan French Toast Casserole is a delicious plant-based twist on the classic breakfast casserole, featuring day-old bread soaked in a creamy silken tofu and coconut milk custard, topped with a cinnamon brown sugar crumble, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy brunch or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter, cold
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut the day-old bread into 1 inch cubes by slicing the loaf and then cutting into smaller cubes. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch casserole dish and evenly spread the bread cubes inside.
- Make the custard: In a blender, combine silken tofu (drained of excess water), full fat coconut milk, cornstarch, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the blended custard evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish. Using your hands, gently press the bread down a few times to ensure it soaks up the custard. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours to allow full absorption. You may bake it immediately if preferred, but soaking improves texture and flavor.
- Preheat the oven: Before baking, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, all purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Cut the cold vegan butter into the mixture using a fork or your fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the soaked bread in the casserole dish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is cooked through.
- Serve: Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar and serve warm with pure maple syrup. Enjoy your hearty, vegan French toast casserole!
Notes
- Use day-old, dried out bread to avoid a soggy casserole; fresh bread will cause sogginess. If you only have fresh bread, cut it and leave it uncovered at room temperature for a few hours to dry out.
- Drain as much water as possible from the silken tofu packaging to avoid excess moisture in the custard. Mori-nu brand or water-packed silken tofu works well.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before for an easy morning bake and brunch.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or dried fruit on top for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
