French Toast Casserole – A Light, Comforting Breakfast Favorite

This French Toast Casserole transforms classic morning flavors into a cozy, baked delight that’s perfect for weekends, brunch gatherings, or holiday mornings. With warm cinnamon, golden bread cubes, and a custardy base, this version is a lighter take on the traditional dish—full of flavor but with a mindful approach to ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Magic – Assemble it the night before for a no-stress morning meal.
Warm & Cozy Flavors – Think cinnamon, vanilla, and just the right touch of sweetness.
Light Yet Satisfying – Comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down.
Easy to Customize – Great with fruit toppings, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of syrup.

Ingredients

• 6 cups whole wheat bread, cubed (preferably day-old)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Optional topping: 1 tbsp brown sugar or chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread
Lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray. Add the cubed bread evenly across the dish.

2. Make the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

3. Pour & Soak
Pour the mixture over the bread cubes. Press down gently so the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

4. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If desired, sprinkle brown sugar or nuts on top. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.

5. Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as is, or top with fresh berries or a light drizzle of syrup.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 180
Protein: 7g
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Best Results

• Add Fruit – Mix in chopped apples or blueberries before baking.
• Use Stale Bread – Slightly dry bread holds up better and soaks the custard evenly.
• Make Ahead – Prep the night before and just pop it in the oven the next day.

This French Toast Casserole delivers all the cozy comfort of the classic dish, but with a lighter, more balanced approach. Perfect for sharing, it’s easy to prepare ahead and can be customized to suit your breakfast cravings.