Name: Caramel Apple Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf day-old vegan brioche or French bread, cubed; 3 cups unsweetened almond milk; 1 cup canned coconut milk; ½ cup maple syrup; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 apples, diced; 1 tsp vegan butter, for sautéing; Additional cinnamon, for sautéing apples

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If you are looking to wow your breakfast crowd with something extra special yet comforting, this Caramel Apple Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe will be your new go-to. Imagine a golden, baked French toast bubbling with cinnamon-spiced apples and cloaked in a luscious, maple caramel glaze — it is everything you want in a cozy holiday brunch, but completely plant-based. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and warmly spiced, making it a memorable centerpiece that brings everyone to the table with smiles and eager forks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a warm baked dish made of golden brown pieces of toast or bread, neatly layered and topped with slices of cooked apple pieces that have a soft brown edge. To the side, there is a small glass jar of clear honey and an apple placed on a white marbled surface, along with a white cup filled with honey sauce. The layers in the baking dish are mostly bread with apple slices spread evenly on top, giving a nice mix of light and dark brown tones. A white cloth napkin is placed underneath the dish and surrounding items. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the textures of the bread and apple slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Caramel Apple Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of texture and flavor. Each element plays an essential role, from the soft vegan brioche that soaks up the custard mixture, to the cinnamon and apples adding seasonal fragrance and sweetness.

Day-old vegan brioche or French bread: Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the custard mixture better without turning mushy.
Unsweetened almond milk: A smooth, dairy-free base that keeps the casserole light and creamy.
Canned coconut milk: Adds richness and a silky texture that makes the casserole extra decadent.
Maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness with a deep, caramel-like flavor.
Brown sugar: Enhances the caramel notes and contributes to a beautifully browned crust.
Cornstarch: Acts as a gentle thickener to give the custard perfect consistency.
Cinnamon: Brings warm spice that complements both the apples and maple syrup perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with subtle floral sweetness.
Apples: Fresh, diced, and sautéed to tender perfection, they add juicy bursts of flavor and texture.
Vegan butter: Used to sauté the apples, ensuring they develop a lovely caramelized exterior and fragrant cinnamon coating.

How to Make Caramel Apple Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish generously with vegan butter or oil to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and develops a golden, crisp crust. This step is simple but crucial to the end result.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture

In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the almond milk, canned coconut milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This liquid mixture is key to soaking the bread cubes with rich flavor, forming the luscious ‘custard’ base of the casserole.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Dice two apples into small chunks and sauté them in vegan butter with a sprinkle of cinnamon until they are soft and caramelized. These warm, spiced apple pieces will burst with flavor throughout the casserole, providing a perfect contrast to the sweet custard-soaked bread.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Toss the cubed bread and the sautéed apples in the custard mixture, making sure every piece is beautifully coated. Transfer everything evenly into the greased baking dish. Let the mixture rest for at least 10 minutes so the bread can soak up the custard, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. The house will fill with an irresistible aroma, signaling that your Caramel Apple Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is ready to delight.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe

The image shows a large white rectangular baking dish filled with an apple crumble. The top layer is a thick, golden-brown crumbly texture, made of small, uneven chunks of crisp topping. Below that, there is a layer of soft cooked apple pieces with a warm orange and light brown color, slightly visible through a missing section in the dish. A silver spoon with some caramel sauce rests inside the missing spot, showing sauce dripping onto the bright white marbled surface below. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a mix of crunchy and soft textures photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving this casserole with a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup or a luscious vegan caramel sauce takes it to the next level in indulgence. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch that contrasts delightfully with the soft custard and tender apples.

Side Dishes

This dish stands out as a hearty main, but pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of coconut yogurt can balance the richness while adding zing and freshness. For a savory element, crispy vegan bacon or sausage rounds out the plate, making your brunch feast irresistibly complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve individual portions of the casserole in mini ramekins sprinkled with a pinch of cinnamon sugar or edible flowers for elegance. Alternatively, build a brunch board around it with assorted nuts, fresh apples slices, and jarred vegan spreads to elevate your gathering’s visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator. This casserole keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for a nutritious, make-ahead breakfast or snack.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this casserole by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. Frozen casserole pieces maintain their taste and texture for up to 2 months — simply thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through and crisp on top. Alternatively, use a microwave for a quicker option, though the oven method helps keep the casserole’s delightful texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of milk instead of almond and coconut?

Absolutely! Any plant-based milk such as oat, soy, or cashew milk will work just fine. Coconut milk adds creaminess, so if you skip it, consider adding a bit more brown sugar or vegan butter for richness.

What type of apples are best for this recipe?

Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect because they hold their shape well during sautéing and balance the sweetness beautifully.

Is it okay to use fresh bread instead of day-old?

Using day-old bread is recommended because it soaks up the custard better without becoming overly soggy. Fresh bread might make the casserole too mushy, so consider toasting or drying it slightly if fresh.

How do I make vegan caramel for drizzling?

Vegan caramel can be made by simmering coconut cream with brown sugar and a pinch of salt until it thickens into a sauce. There are also delicious store-bought vegan caramel syrups available for convenience.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before baking?

Yes, assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating it allows the bread to soak up even more flavor. In the morning, simply bake it fresh, cutting down on your prep time and waking up to an amazing aroma.

Final Thoughts

Making this Caramel Apple Vegan French Toast Casserole Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, sweet hug that fills your home with festive cheer. It’s a brilliantly simple recipe that rewards you with incredible flavor and comforting textures, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular highlight of your brunch gatherings and holiday mornings. So preheat that oven and get ready to impress everyone with this delightful vegan treat!