French Toast Bake

Nut-free option, Soy-free option

What’s better than plain ol’ French toast? This French toast bake, of course. The sweet and sticky bread base is topped with a delicious cinnamon streusel for a next-level breakfast bake. It has the option of being either soft and gooey or a bit crispier, depending on your preference; adjust the cook time accordingly.

The French Toast Bake reinvents the familiar morning delight into a harmonious marriage of convenience and indulgence. This delightful creation takes the classic concept of French toast and elevates it to new heights by transforming it into a casserole-style dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a leisurely weekend breakfast. With its layers of rich flavors and ease of preparation, the French Toast Bake promises to satisfy taste buds and create lasting memories.

At the heart of this dish lies a unique interplay of textures and tastes. The base, formed from gelled flaxseed meal and your choice of nondairy milk, provides a creamy foundation that effortlessly binds with the bread. The loaf of Texas toast or French bread, chopped into smaller pieces, becomes the canvas that eagerly soaks up the luxurious blend of coconut milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract. The result is a decadent mixture that promises each bite will be a dance of sweetness and comfort.

The true magic of the French Toast Bake lies in its topping. The combination of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon forms a crumbly blend that, when paired with cubes of cold vegan butter, creates a texture that ranges from sandy to subtly crunchy. This topping blankets the bread mixture, creating a layer of irresistible cinnamon-infused delight that bakes to perfection.

As the French Toast Bake basks in the oven’s warmth, its aromas begin to waft, beckoning all to the kitchen. The bake time offers a spectrum of choices, from 45 minutes for a soft and gooey center to a full hour for a crisper texture. The final creation emerges, its top glistening with the promise of cinnamon-spiced joy.

Served in generous slices and drizzled with pure maple syrup, the French Toast Bake brings friends and family together around the table. Its ability to cater to both busy mornings and leisurely brunches makes it a versatile addition to any breakfast spread. With each bite, this twist on tradition invites you to savor the simple pleasures that can be found in the kitchen—a shared meal, laughter, and the joy of culinary creativity.

The French Toast Bake embodies the spirit of comfort and connection. By taking a beloved classic and adding a touch of innovation, it reminds us that even breakfast can be an occasion for celebration. Whether enjoyed with loved ones or savored in solitude, this bake carries the essence of warm kitchens and heartwarming moments, creating a delightful memory with every mouthful.

PREP TIME: 20 minutes

COOK TIME: 45 minutes to 1 hour

YIELD: 12 slices

INGREDIENTS:

• Nonstick spray, for pan

BASE

• ¾ cup (78 g) flaxseed meal
• 1 cup (240 ml) nondairy milk of choice (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• 1 (20- to 24-oz [566- to 680-g]) loaf Texas toast or French bread
• 1 (13.5-oz [398-ml]) can full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup (110 g) packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) pure vanilla extract

TOPPING

• ½ cup (62 g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled or weighed)
• ½ cup (110 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp (8 g) ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (1 stick [113 g]) vegan butter, cold, cubed (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)

FOR SERVING

• Pure maple syrup

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray a 9 x 13–inch (23 x 33–cm) baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. Make the base: In a large bowl, stir together the flaxseed meal and milk. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, until gelled.
3. Meanwhile, chop the bread into small pieces and set aside. Once the flaxseed mixture has gelled, add the coconut milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Stir to incorporate. Add the bread pieces and stir to coat the bread completely. Pour into the prepared pan. Set aside.
4. Make the topping: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
5. Using a fork or pastry cutter, incorporate the cold butter into the flour mixture by cutting it into smaller and smaller pieces until you have a crumbly, sandlike texture.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread mixture.
7. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour; 45 minutes will yield a softer and gooier bake, 1 hour will make it crispier.
8. Allow to cool slightly, then slice into 12 slices and serve with maple syrup.