Name: Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 11 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14-16 ounces day old large loaf 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

There’s something irresistibly cozy about waking up to a warm, comforting baked breakfast. This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe brings all that goodness in one dish—silky, spiced custard-soaked bread cubes topped with a crunchy, buttery streusel. It’s a weekend treat you’ll want to make again and again.

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

Honestly, I've tried quite a few vegan breakfast casseroles, and this one stands out because it nails that classic French toast vibe without eggs or dairy. The texture, flavor, and easy prep really make it a staple in my kitchen when I want something special but low-fuss.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry—no weird substitutes needed.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning, perfect for busy or relaxed weekends.
Comforting and Crowd-Pleasing: The cinnamon sugar topping adds a perfect sweet crunch that everyone loves.
Totally Vegan, Totally Delicious: No eggs, no dairy, just plant-based goodness that tastes rich and satisfying.

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

At the heart of this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe are ingredients that come together for both texture and flavor. Using silken tofu and coconut milk creates a creamy custard base without eggs or dairy. Old bread absorbs this custard perfectly, while the streusel topping adds that crave-worthy crispy finish.

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 slightly dried-out bread from the day before is key—it soaks up the custard without getting soggy.
Silken tofu: Blends smoothly to make the custard creamy and adds protein for a filling breakfast.
Full fat coconut milk: Keeps the custard rich and adds subtle sweetness without overpowering.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard so it sets nicely when baked.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard nicely, balancing the spices and richness.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic flavor to the custard.
Ground cinnamon: The classic spice for French toast that adds depth and coziness.
Brown sugar and flour (for topping): Combine with cinnamon and vegan butter for a crisp, caramelized topping.
Vegan butter: Cold and cut into the streusel topping, it creates a perfect crumbly texture.

📝

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 my favorite things about this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easily it adapts. You can switch up the bread type or add your favorite mix-ins to make it truly yours.

Nutty Addition: I often toss in chopped pecans or walnuts to the custard or topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Fruity Twist: Fresh or frozen berries stirred into the casserole before baking add a lovely tart contrast.
Spice It Up: Experiment with warming spices like nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon for a flavor boost.
Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

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

Step 1: Prepare the bread cubes

I start by slicing the day-old loaf into about 1-inch cubes. Pro tip: slicing the loaf into thick slices first makes cutting into cubes way easier and neater. Then I toss them into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Trust me, this step sets the stage for a casserole that's soaked through but still holds its shape.

Step 2: Whip up the custard

Into a blender goes silken tofu (make sure to drain excess water), coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Blend until it’s super smooth and creamy. This custard is the magic behind the richness without any eggs.

Step 3: Soak the bread overnight

Pour that luscious custard evenly over your bread cubes. Use your hands (seriously, it’s the best tool here) to press the bread down a few times so the cubes soak up every bit of goodness. Cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. If you’re in a pinch, you can bake it immediately, but the slow soak really makes a difference.

Step 4: Make the cinnamon sugar topping

Combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Then cut in cold vegan butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms crumbly bits. This topping brings just the right crunch and sweetness to your casserole.

Step 5: Bake to golden perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the topping evenly over your custard-soaked bread and bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the inside has set. Let it cool a little before slicing—it’s so worth the wait.

Top Tip

I learned through trial and error that drying out your bread is absolutely essential for this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe. Fresh bread can turn the whole thing soggy and watery, which is a bummer. Also, using your hands to press the bread into the custard really helps it absorb evenly—don’t skip that step!

Dry Bread is Key: Leaving the bread out uncovered for several hours or using day-old bread yields the best texture.
Use a Blender or Food Processor: Ensures the custard is silky smooth without any tofu chunks.
Patience with Soaking: A long soak overnight allows the bread to get perfectly infused, making the bake tender and flavorful.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole after 40 minutes—taking it out just as the top crisps prevents dryness inside.

How to Serve Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting mine with a little powdered sugar and serving it alongside warm pure maple syrup. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries adds a bright, fresh note that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often go for crispy breakfast potatoes or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for contrast. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea finishes it off just right.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans. It impresses guests and makes breakfast feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or toaster oven to bring back some of the crispy topping texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, too! I slice it into portions, wrap them individually in foil, and freeze for up to a month. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time until heated through.

Reheating

To keep that lovely crisp topping intact, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving tends to make it a bit soggy, so I avoid that when I can.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

It’s best to use day-old or dried-out bread because fresh bread tends to get mushy when soaked. If you only have fresh bread, cut it and leave it uncovered for a few hours to dry out before using in this Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe.

What if I don’t have silken tofu?

Silken tofu is what gives this dish its custard-like creaminess. If you don’t have it, you could try using blended soaked cashews or a vegan egg replacer, but the texture might be slightly different from the original recipe.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the bread with a gluten-free loaf and be sure to use gluten-free flour in the topping mix. It bakes up just as delicious and satisfying.

How long does the casserole keep in the fridge?

Stored covered in an airtight container, this casserole will keep well in the fridge for 3 days. For best texture, reheat in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe has become my go-to when I want to impress family or friends with a warm, homey dish that’s entirely plant-based. It feels indulgent yet wholesome—like a big, cozy hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!