Description
A decadent baked French toast casserole featuring cinnamon-spiced sautéed apples and a luscious maple caramel glaze, made entirely vegan for a perfect holiday breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 loaf day-old vegan brioche or French bread, cubed
 
Wet Ingredients
- 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
 
Apple Topping
- 2 apples, diced
 - 1 tsp vegan butter, for sautéing
 - Additional cinnamon, for sautéing apples
 
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
 - Sauté Apples: In a pan, melt 1 teaspoon of vegan butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and sprinkle with cinnamon. Sauté until the apples are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
 - Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond milk, canned coconut milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
 - Combine Bread and Apples: Add the cubed bread and sautéed apples to the wet mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure the bread cubes are fully coated with the custard mixture.
 - Let Absorb: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up the custard thoroughly for a custardy texture.
 - Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and golden on top. The edges should be slightly crisp.
 - Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. For added indulgence, drizzle warm maple syrup or vegan caramel sauce over the top just before serving.
 
Notes
- Drizzle warm maple syrup or vegan caramel sauce over the casserole for extra sweetness and gooey texture.
 - This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for a convenient holiday breakfast.
 - Day-old bread works best for soaking and achieving the ideal texture.
 
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
 - Cook Time: 45 minutes
 - Category: Breakfast, Brunch
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American