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) French or sourdough bread, day old, 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

Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting weekend treats that fills the kitchen with the most inviting aromas. I love how it’s rich, custardy, and perfectly spiced—all without using eggs or dairy. Once you try it, I promise you’ll want to make it on repeat!

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 holds a special place in my heart because it’s like weekend brunch magic — effortlessly made ahead, totally vegan, and perfectly balanced in flavor and texture. It’s always a hit with friends and family alike, vegan or not!

Simple, wholesome ingredients: You don’t need fancy stuff to make something this cozy and delicious.
Make-ahead convenience: You prep it the night before so it’s ready to bake in the morning without the stress.
Amazing texture: The silken tofu and coconut milk custard soak into day-old bread cubes for a creamy yet slightly crisp finish.
Perfect for gatherings: Makes a generous 9x13 casserole that’s great for sharing and impressing your guests.

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

Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen for both flavor and texture. The tofu creates that silky custard feel, coconut milk adds richness, and day-old bread soaks up the custard without falling apart. Here’s a quick rundown so you can understand why each element shines.

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 French or sourdough bread: Using stale bread is key to prevent sogginess and to get that perfect bake.
Silken tofu: Acts as the egg substitute, creating a creamy and smooth custard base.
Full fat coconut milk: Adds richness and a slightly sweet depth that pairs beautifully with spices.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard so it sets perfectly when baked.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard to balance the toast’s texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma that makes the whole dish feel classic and cozy.
Ground cinnamon: Gives that essential warm spice flavor that makes French toast so irresistible.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the casserole from tasting flat.
Brown sugar (for topping): Creates a crunchy, sweet crust that contrasts wonderfully with the soft interior.
All purpose flour (for topping): Binds the topping ingredients together.
Vegan butter (cold, for topping): Adds richness and browning to the topping.

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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 often swap out vanilla for almond extract just to mix things up, and I’ve added a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a bit of crunch. Feel free to tweak the cinnamon quantity or add nutmeg if you like — it’s your brunch masterpiece waiting to be personalized!

Variation: One time, I tossed fresh berries on top before baking — it added a fresh burst that everyone adored.

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

Step 1: Prep your bread like a pro

First things first, I cut my loaf into 1-inch cubes. Starting by slicing the whole loaf really makes it easier to get evenly sized cubes. Then, I lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish so the casserole won’t stick. Don’t skip the day-old bread — trust me, it makes all the difference between soggy and perfectly custardy!

Step 2: Whip up the creamy custard

Into the blender goes silken tofu, coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Blend until silky smooth. If your tofu has extra water, I usually drain it well to avoid thinning out the custard. It’s always worth tasting a little to check for balance before pouring.

Step 3: Soak the bread overnight

Pour that luscious custard over your cubed bread, then gently press the bread down a few times so it soaks up as much as possible. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. Overnight soaking is my secret for an ultra-moist yet structured casserole.

Step 4: Make the topping and bake

When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold vegan butter using a fork or your fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked casserole and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes. The top should be golden and slightly crisp — that’s your cue it’s ready!

Step 5: Serve warm and enjoy

Just before serving, I like to dust it lightly with powdered sugar and drizzle plenty of pure maple syrup on top. It’s that last touch that elevates this vegan French toast casserole from tasty to unforgettable.

Top Tip

After making this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe several times, I’ve picked up some key tricks to get it just right every time.

Use truly day-old bread: This really prevents sogginess and lets the custard soak in without disintegrating the bread cubes.
Drain tofu thoroughly: I learned the hard way that excess water makes the custard too runny, so make sure to press out as much liquid as you can from the tofu packaging.
Don’t rush the soak: I sometimes bake it right away but prefer the overnight soak — it deepens the flavor and improves texture dramatically.
Watch baking time closely: Ovens and bread types vary, so start checking at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking; you want golden on top but moist inside.

How to Serve Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this, I love fresh berries like sliced strawberries or blueberries on the side, along with a dusting of powdered sugar. Sometimes a sprinkle of toasted pecans adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup is always a must!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple but delicious: crispy breakfast potatoes or a light green salad with fresh citrus vinaigrette—both balance the casserole’s richness beautifully. For something sweet, a fresh orange juice or iced herbal tea is perfect.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this casserole in clear glass baking dishes so the golden custard and bread layers are visible — it’s stunning! I also love topping it with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a charming brunch table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavor actually deepens overnight, making it just as delicious—or even better—the next day.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this casserole in portions wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven to restore that crispy topping.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers in a 350°F oven, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes. This revives the crispy topping and prevents it from becoming soggy as it might in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Using fresh bread can make your casserole soggy because it soaks up too much liquid. If that’s all you have, try drying it out uncovered on the counter for several hours or lightly toasting the cubes before soaking.

Do I have to soak the bread overnight?

No, you can bake this casserole immediately after assembling, but letting it soak overnight really enhances the flavor and texture—it’s well worth the wait in my experience!

What if I don’t have silken tofu?

Silken tofu is key for the creamy custard texture, but if you can’t find it, some people substitute blended cashews mixed with plant milk, though the texture will differ slightly. I’ve found silken tofu the most reliable for a smooth custard.

Can I add fruit inside the casserole?

Absolutely! Adding berries or sliced bananas between layers before baking adds freshness and natural sweetness. Just keep in mind extra moisture from fruit, so you might want to reduce the liquid slightly if adding juicy fruit.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe has truly become my go-to for lazy weekend mornings and brunch gatherings. It’s hands-off enough to prep the night before and always delivers that perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how a simple vegan dish can feel so indulgent and comforting. I’m rooting for you to nail this heartwarming classic with ease!