Vegan Berry French Toast Casserole
A delightful make-ahead breakfast casserole transforming a classic French toast into a berry-infused, vegan delicacy that's perfect for brunch gatherings or lazy mornings.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 220kcal
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 4 cups day-old multi-grain bread, cubed (1-inch pieces) Thick-bread chunks ready to soak up the custard mixture.
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter For greasing the pan and enhancing flavor.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup A touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the berries.
- 6 tablespoons Just Egg (or 2 large regular eggs) A fantastic egg substitute for a custardy texture.
- 1 cup plant-based milk Creamy dairy alternative for richness.
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest Bright note that complements the sweet berries beautifully.
- 10 oz mixed frozen berries, thawed and drained Bursts with flavor; the star of this casserole.
- to taste powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving An optional sweet finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with vegan butter.
- Layer the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Just Egg, plant-based milk, vanilla, brown sugar, and fresh orange zest until completely smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Scatter the drained berries over the top of the bread layer and let the casserole rest for about 15 minutes.
Baking
- Dot the casserole with small pieces of vegan butter on top for extra richness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
Notes
Use day-old bread for the best results. Consider adding cinnamon to the custard mixture or mixing in chopped nuts for extra flavor. Adjust baking time if the center feels jiggly.