Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Dairy-Free French Toast Casserole, a comforting twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Perfect for brunch gatherings or weekend mornings, this casserole is crafted with almond milk, eggs, and a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness. Cubes of stale bread soak up a rich dairy-free custard infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a perfectly soft yet slightly crisp texture. Topped with a dreamy mix of coconut oil, brown sugar, and optional pecans, this baked dish is a delightful combination of caramelized goodness and nutty crunch. With the option to prepare it ahead, serve it fresh from the oven with juicy berries and a drizzle of maple syrup for a crowd-pleasing, dairy-free delight you'll return to again and again.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a small amount of coconut oil.
Cut the stale bread into 1-inch cubes and place half of them in the prepared baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
Add the remaining bread cubes on top and pour the rest of the egg mixture over them, ensuring all pieces are coated.
In a small bowl, mix the melted coconut oil and brown sugar until well combined; if using pecans, stir them in too.
Sprinkle the coconut oil and sugar mixture over the casserole.
Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. For a deeper flavor, you can refrigerate it overnight.
Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm, topped with fresh berries if desired, and drizzle with additional maple syrup.
Calories |
3320 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 113.4 g | 145% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.8 g | 194% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1116 mg | 372% | |
| Sodium | 3167 mg | 138% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 509.8 g | 185% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.9 g | 100% | |
| Total Sugars | 328.7 g | ||
| Protein | 79.9 g | 160% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.2 mcg | 56% | |
| Calcium | 1596 mg | 123% | |
| Iron | 23.0 mg | 128% | |
| Potassium | 1693 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.