This simple and easy Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Casserole uses 12 plant-based ingredients and is ready quickly. You can make this recipe in advance, which makes it perfect for your next brunch festivities and meal prep.
I love hosting, especially fo a cozy brunch! This better-for-you cinnamon crunch french toast is bursting with comforting flavors, that will make your guests so happy! Plus it comes in a casserole, making it great to serve a crowd!
If you’re looking for more healthy brunch ideas, check out my German apple pancakes recipe, this healthy chocolate chip banana bread or these dairy-free Crêpes.
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This post is supported by Silver Hills Bakery. A big shoutout to the supporting brands, that make The Simple Sprinkle possible. As always, everything shared about this brand is my own opinion.
🤔What is cinnamon crunch french toast casserole?
Cinnamon Crunch French Toast is a delicious breakfast or brunch dish made by layering slices of bread in a casserole, which are then soaked in a custard mixture. The mixture usually contains eggs, milk, cinnamon, and often sugar.
Our recipe uses healthier plant-based ingredients, combining sprouted whole-grain bread, fresh berries, and a luscious vegan custard sauce.
The custard mixture is poured over the bread, allowing it to absorb the liquid. Once assembled, the casserole is baked until the bread is golden and the custard is set. It's a great dish for holidays, gatherings, or any time you want a comforting and indulgent breakfast or brunch treat.
📋 Ingredients
To make a cinnamon crunch French toast in a casserole, you need to gather a few basic ingredients:
- Whole-grain bread: Provides the base for this dish. Whole grain bread is a better-for-you bread choice, that adds a hearty and nutty flavor. We love to use Silver Hills Bakery's sprouted grain breads because they are healthier than white bread due to higher fiber content, more nutrients and minerals. Plus sprouted whole grains are easier to digest and keep you full for longer! For this recipe we used their Omegamazing.
- Strawberries, Blueberries and Raspberries: These fresh berries add a burst of sweetness and tanginess, as well as vibrant color. Plus, they contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Dairy-free Cream Cheese: Acts as the base for the custard mixture. It adds creaminess and richness to the casserole.
- Maple Syrup: Sweetens the dish and enhances the flavor profile. Plus, this natural sweetener is a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
- Coconut Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel-like flavor to the dish. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index compared to white sugar, making it a better choice especially for those concerned about blood sugar levels.
- JustEgg: This is a vegan egg alternative, which acts as a binding agent and helps us making this an eggless french toast casserole.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the casserole with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Cinnamon: The star spice of this dish, which adds a warm and comforting flavor.
- Whole grain cereal with cinnamon (or cinnamon-infused granola, bran flakes, or old fashioned oats): Forms a crispy, crunchy topping for the casserole. It adds texture and contrast to the soft, custardy interior of the dish.
🔄 Substitutions
If you're looking for alternative ingredients, here are some good options to explore:
- Whole-grain bread: You can substitute with any type of bread you prefer, such as white bread, brioche, challah, or even cinnamon raisin bread for extra flavor.
- Berries: Feel free to mix and match or use other types of fruits based on your preference and what's in season. Apples, bananas, peaches, or pitted cherries would all work well.
- Vegan cream cheese:You can make a homemade cashew cream cheese or use a dairy-free yogurt, vegan quark or skyr for a tangy flavor.
- Maple syrup: Agave is a great alternative. You can also use brown rice syrup, date syrup, or monk fruit syrup instead.
- Coconut sugar: Brown sugar, cane sugar or regular white sugar can all be used instead. You can also try using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie option.
- JustEgg: If you can't find JustEgg, use a flaxseed or chia seed egg, or another commercial egg replacer. For more ideas, we recommend reading our egg-alternative guide.
- Vanilla extract: Homemade vanilla sugar, bean paste or bean powder can all be used as alternatives.
- Ground cinnamon: Nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or cardamom are lovely alternatives, or additions to cinnamon for a different flavor twist.
- Whole grain cereal with cinnamon: Use your favorite cereal! Otherwise opt for chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts) or seeds (such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds) to provide a crunchy topping. Additionally, the use of crushed graham crackers, shredded coconut, or even a streusel topping in combination with ground cinnamon is possible!
💡Variations
You might want to taylor your cinnamon crunch french toast to your taste and dietary preference. Here are some of our favorite ideas!
Bread Variations:
- Brioche French Toast Casserole: Using brioche bread will lend a rich and buttery flavor to the dish, resulting in an indulgent treat.
- Sourdough French Toast Casserole: Sourdough adds a tangy flavor and hearty texture to the casserole. It pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings.
- Hawaiian Bread French Toast Casserole: Hawaiian bread, with its slightly sweet taste and soft texture, will give the casserole a tropical twist.
- Croissant French Toast Bake: Croissants will add a buttery and flaky texture to the dish, elevating it to a luxurious breakfast or brunch option.
- Gluten-free French Toast Casserole: Using gluten-free bread ensures that those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions can still enjoy this delicious dish.
Outside of playing with what bread you are using, we have the option to play with the flavors of your french toast casserole! Here are some alternative flavor combinations that can't go wrong.
Flavor Variations:
- High-protein French Toast Casserole: Incorporating high-protein ingredients like vegan quark or skyr yogurt, vegan ricotta cheese, or protein powder into the custard mixture adds nutritional value and makes for an even more filling dish.
- Mascarpone French Toast: It adds a creamy and indulgent flavor. We love to use our vegan mascarpone recipe, to make a healthy mascarpone from scratch!
- Coffee French Toast: Infusing the custard mix with brewed coffee, espresso or even instant coffee powder will give the casserole a rich coffee flavor!
- Nutella French Toast Casserole: Swirling Nutella into the layers of bread adds a decadent chocolate-hazelnut flavor that's sure to be a hit. One of our favorite vegan nutella alternatives is from Valsoia.
- Peanut Butter: Drizzling peanut butter or layering vegan peanut butter cups between the bread creates a deliciously nutty and satisfying casserole.
- Blueberry Lemon: The combination of using fresh blueberries and zesty lemon adds brightness and tanginess to the dish!
- Apple Cinnamon: Classic flavors like apples and cinnamon create a comforting and aromatic french toast that's perfect for fall or any time of year.
- S'mores: Bringing the flavors of the campfire favorite into a breakfast casserole is sure to delight with its combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers.
With all these options this dish will never get boring! Feel free to experiment with these variations to create your unique spin on a cinnamon crunch french toast.
🍽Equipment
Here's a list of all kitchen equipment that is used in our cinnamon crunch french toast recipe:
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons, or scale
- Oven
- Cooking spray or greasing agent
- Oven mitts or kitchen gloves (for handling the hot baking dish)
- Spatula or spoon (for mixing and spreading ingredients)
- Cooling rack (optional, for placing the casserole before or during serving)
Product links for these items can be found in the recipe card below.
👩🏽🍳 How To Make Cinnamon Crunch French Toast
Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of making cinnamon crunch french toast in a casserole from scratch at home!
1. Spread the halfed whole-grain bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries over the bread.
2. Scatter the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries over the bread. Set the casserole aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with agave syrup until smooth and creamy.
4. Gradually add the coconut sugar, almond milk, JustEgg, vanilla extract, milk, and ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture, beating until well combined.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread and berries in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread is coated.
6. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
7. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set.
8. Serve warm, optionally with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Alternative Preparation
These alternative cooking methods allow you to make smaller batches. Make sure to adjust the ingredient measurements accordingly! In our recipe card below, you can click to half the recipe.
Pan-Frying:
- Grease a pan with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture as instructed in the recipe. Dip the bread in the the cream cheese mixture.
- Allow the mixture to soak into the bread for at least 10 minutes, or overnight in the fridge. Before cooking, sprinkle the crushed cinnamon cereal around the bread.
- Place the pan on the stove over medium-low heat, cover it, and cook for about 10-20 minutes or until the mixture is set and golden brown. You may need to occasionally check and adjust the heat to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, serve warm, optionally with powdered sugar, more cinnamon, fresh fruit or maple syrup.
Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 355 degrees F (180 degrees C). Optional, you can use parchment paper, or an air-fryer liner in your basket for easy clean-up.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture as instructed in the recipe. Dip the bread in the the cream cheese mixture.
- Allow the mixture to soak into the bread for at least 10 minutes, or overnight in the fridge. Before cooking, sprinkle the crushed cinnamon cereal around the bread.
- Air fry at 355 degrees F (180 degrees C) for about 10-20 minutes or until crisp and golden brown. You may need to adjust the time based on your air fryer model and size.
- Once cooked, serve warm, optionally with powdered sugar, more cinnamon, fresh fruit or maple syrup.
✨Sprinkle's Expert Tips
- Cover When Necessary: If the top of the casserole is browning too quickly during baking, loosely cover it with its lid, or aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center cooks through.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the custard mixture to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
🍓 Serving Ideas
You may be wondering what to serve with french toast casserole? Serve your cinnamon toast crunch with a variety of toppings such as:
- Powdered sugar
- Vegan whipped cream
- Additional fresh fruit, or fruit compote (such as cherry compote)
- Vegan vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Serve it as a part of a brunch spread, alongside other breakfast dishes such as soft tofu scramble, hash browns, fresh juice or mimosas!
💭 Recipe FAQ
For cinnamon french toast, either Ceylon cinnamon with its delicate, sweet flavor, or Cassia cinnamon with its stronger, spicier taste, can be used, depending on personal preference and availability.
Yes, you can make French toast casserole ahead of time, up to 2 days in advance. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. This allows the bread to fully soak up the custard mixture, enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish. When you're ready to serve, simply bake the casserole according to the recipe instructions.
Allow ample time for the bread to soak in the custard mixture, use sturdy bread like brioche, and spread the bread evenly in the dish to promote even cooking. Avoid overcrowding and excess liquid, and bake at the proper temperature until golden brown and set.
🥣 Storage & Reheating Instructions
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you have leftovers, you can also individually wrap portions in plastic wrap or transfer them to airtight containers before refrigerating. When ready to enjoy, reheat individual servings in the toaster oven, oven, or skillet until warmed through and crisp.
Can you freeze cinnamon crunch french toast? Yes! Divide the casserole into individual portions or leave it whole, depending on your preference. Wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap them again in aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container, to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents.
Place the wrapped portions in airtight freezer bags or containers for added protection. Store the frozen casserole in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
How to reheat french toast casserole? When you're ready to enjoy the frozen French toast casserole, thaw the wrapped portions overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, unwrap the portions and reheat them in the toaster oven, oven, or skillet until warmed through and crisp.
🌱 More Breakfast Recipes You'll Love
📖 Recipe
Cinnamon Crunch French Toast Casserole
Equipment
- oval baking dish (2.75 qt)
- whisk or
- oven
- cooking spray or greasing agent
- oven mitts (for handling the hot baking dish)
- spatula (for mixing and spreading ingredients)
- cooling rack (optional, for placing the casserole before or during serving)
Ingredients
- 8 slices whole grain bread halfed, or cubed
- 1 cup strawberries sliced, or cubed
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup raspberries
- 7 oz vegan cream cheese at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ⅔ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup JustEgg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon more to taste
- 1 cup crushed whole grain cinnamon cereal (cinnamon granola or bran flakes, or old fashioned oats covered in avocado oil and maple syrup)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread halfed (or cubed) whole-grain bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries over the bread.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with agave syrup until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the coconut sugar, almond milk, justegg, vanilla extract, milk, and ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture, beating until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread and berries in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread is coated.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
- Before baking, sprinkle the crushed whole grain cereal over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set.Serve warm, optionally with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
Nutrition
The provided nutritional information is an estimate. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
For food safety see guidelines at USDA.gov.
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