The Ultimate Overnight Vegan French Toast Casserole

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This Overnight Vegan French Toast Casserole recipe is a rich decadent breakfast that is easy to make. Simple ingredients create a luscious custard mixture that you pour over cubed bread to create a sumptuous overnight French toast casserole the whole family will love. Make it a day ahead and bake it in the morning for the perfect breakfast for the holiday season or any time of year.

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This easy vegan French toast casserole is going to be a great addition to your special occasions!

Are you thinking about the holidays yet? Are any birthdays coming up? I love cooking for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I don’t love all of the calories.  

My holidays used to consist of pies, candies, cakes, cookies, fudge, and sugary bread. Now, I am pretty particular about what I eat and it better be worth the calories. It’s so disappointing when you eat something and you regret it immediately because it just wasn’t worth it.

Trust me this french toast is worth it. I love making it on Christmas Eve and popping it into the oven on Christmas morning. The house fills with the scent of cinnamon and deliciousness.

Before I lost 125 pounds I would eat the frozen French toast you get in the freezer section of the grocery store, slather it in butter, and drown it in maple-flavored syrup.  Now that I know that frozen French toast and French toast sticks are loaded with ingredients like DATEM, preservatives like monoglycerides, saturated fat, and bioengineered ingredients, I make my own and it is delicious.

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What they are saying about this vegan french toast casserole

This is so delicious! Currently staying in an Airbnb with a big group and one of our group is vegan, so we were looking for a vegan breakfast. It turned out great and everyone loved it! Great recipe.

– Lisa

3 Reasons Why You Will Love This Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

• Easy Recipe: This French toast bake is super simple because you prepare it the day before. This means you can sleep in and still enjoy a yummy breakfast without having to rush in the morning.

• Flavorful Fusion: Leaving the ingredients to soak overnight makes the flavors meld and intensify taking the traditional french toast casserole to another level.

• Healthy Indulgence: This baked French toast casserole uses healthier ingredients and can even be made using gluten-free bread, so it not only satisfies your taste buds but also aligns with a health-conscious lifestyle.

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What Is Vegan French Toast Made Of?

Vegans can certainly enjoy french toast, provided it has been made without animal products. Most non-vegan french toast calls for eggs, however, this vegan french toast casserole does not. Sometimes egg replacers like Just Egg or flax eggs can cause the french toast to be gooey or gritty. I suggest using bananas and be sure your bread is stale for the ultimate vegan french toast.

Vegan French Toast Casserole Ingredients

Ingredients

The magic begins with ripe bananas. They are the secret ingredient that will make this an eggless French toast casserole. 

You can find the full recipe card, including ingredient quantities, full instructions, and nutrition information below.

• Bananas – make sure they are ripe.
• Almond milk – you can use any plant-based milks like cashew milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
• Salt – just a pinch to bring out the sweetness.
• Cornstarch – you can sub arrowroot powder.
• Vegan Butter – I recommend Earth Balance Buttery Sticks or Miyoko’s.
• Coconut Sugar or Brown sugar (I suggest organic because some sugars are not vegan since they are sifted through bone char.)
• Vanilla extract – get the best your budget will allow.
• Cinnamon – get the best your budget will allow.
• Nutmeg – grate your own for the ultimate flavor.
• Ginger – a pinch of ground ginger gives this french toast a little zing.
• Bread Cubes – You can use French bread, Italian bread, sourdough bread, gluten-free bread – remember you want to use stale bread!
• Pecans – you can use walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.

EAT TO LOSE!

How to Make Healthy French Toast

To make your french toast as yummy as possible make sure to start with stale bread. It will give it a nice chewy texture instead of being mushy. Be sure to use a greased casserole dish otherwise the toast will stick. 

Begin by creating the liquid mixture by blending bananas, non-dairy milk, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla in a blender until smooth.

Add pieces of bread to a baking dish and pour the banana mixture over them. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight. 

The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, melt vegan butter in a saucepan. Add sugar and whisk until dissolved. Cook until mixture is brown and caramel-like. Add nuts, spices, and salt. 

Spread pecan mixture over the top of the casserole and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh fruit. 

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• 1. Blend ingredients for custard mixture.

• 2. Pour custard over bread.

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• 3. Make sure all of the bread is soaked through. Refrigerate. 

• 5. Melt dairy free butter and sugar.

• 6. Add remaining ingredients.

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• 7. Pour over bread and bake.

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FAQ’s

How do you make vegan French toast without eggs?

Making vegan French toast without eggs is easy and delicious. This recipe uses bananas instead of eggs. 

What kind of bread is best for vegan French toast?

The best bread for vegan French toast is one that has a good texture, absorbs the batter well, and holds up during cooking without becoming too soggy. Here are some excellent options:

1. Challah:
   • Challah bread is rich and slightly sweet, making it a fantastic choice for vegan French toast. Its soft texture and absorbent nature allow it to soak up the batter, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
2. Sourdough:
   • Sourdough bread provides a tangy flavor and a sturdy structure, which helps it hold up well during cooking. 
3. Texas Toast:
   • This thick-cut, fluffy white bread is ideal for creating decadent vegan French toast. Its thickness allows for a substantial bite, and it soaks up the batter beautifully.
4. French Bread or Baguette:
   • A crusty French bread or baguette can add a delightful contrast of textures. 
5. Whole Wheat Bread:
   • Opting for a hearty whole-grain bread adds nuttiness and extra fiber to your vegan French toast.
6. Brioche (Vegan Version):
   • Vegan brioche offers the richness and buttery flavor associated with traditional brioche, making it a wonderful choice for a more indulgent vegan French toast experience.
7. Cinnamon Raisin Bread:
   • For a flavorful twist, consider using cinnamon raisin bread. 

When selecting bread for your vegan French toast, choose a variety that you enjoy eating on its own. The goal is to enhance the natural flavors and textures of the bread while complementing it with the delicious plant-based batter.

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Can I make vegan French toast ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is made ahead of time. It’s perfect for making the day before. 

What toppings go well with vegan French toast?

Toppings for vegan French toast can be as diverse and creative as your taste buds desire. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fresh Fruit:
   • sliced bananas or fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or any seasonal fruit add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness.
2. Maple Syrup:
   • A classic choice, pure maple syrup drizzled over vegan French toast provides a sweet and rich flavor.
3. Nut Butters:
   • Spread almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for a creamy and nutty addition. You can also try a drizzle of tahini for a unique twist.
4. Nuts and Seeds:
   • Chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, add a satisfying crunch. Sprinkle some chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra texture and nutrition.
5. Coconut Whipped Cream:
   • A dollop of coconut whipped cream adds a light and airy sweetness. Make it by whipping up coconut cream with a touch of sweetener.
6. Dairy-Free Yogurt:
   • Spoonfuls of dairy-free yogurt, whether plain or flavored, bring a tangy and creamy element to your dish.
7. Powdered Sugar:
   • A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness. Be sure to use organic since most sugars are not vegan.
8. Spices:
   • Sprinkle ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
9. Citrus Zest:
   • Finely grated citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, can add a refreshing and aromatic touch.

How do you make vegan French toast crispy?

This overnight french toast is made crispy and chewy by using stale bread. 

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​Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.