Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a breakfast casserole that’s both dairy-free and irresistibly delicious, this Dairy-free French Toast Casserole with Blueberries is your new brunch hero. It’s loaded with fluffy bread, a hint of cinnamon, and juicy blueberries, making it the perfect dish for lazy weekends, festive family gatherings, or meal prepping for busy mornings. Grab your baking dish—let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free French Toast casserole
- Absolutely dairy-free—great for anyone with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy.
- Bursting with fresh, juicy blueberries that add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Easy to prep ahead—just assemble, chill overnight, and bake in the morning!
- Perfectly fluffy texture on the inside with a golden, slightly crisp top.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (14–16 oz) day-old French bread, cubed (about 10–12 cups)
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if using frozen)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons vegan buttery spread, melted (optional, for topping)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes (it’s easiest if the bread is a day old). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing the bread down gently so it soaks up the liquid. Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the top, tucking some between the bread cubes for berry bursts in every bite.
Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
For best results, cover the casserole tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole, drizzle with melted vegan buttery spread, and sprinkle coconut sugar or brown sugar over the top if using. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out mostly clean).
Step 6: Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best texture; fresh bread can become mushy.
- Frozen blueberries work perfectly, just scatter them straight from the freezer.
- If you like extra sweetness, add a layer of coconut sugar before baking for a lovely caramelized top.
Variations
- Raspberry Lemon: Swap blueberries for raspberries and add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the custard.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the casserole before baking.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra treat.
Required Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp bread knife
- Foil
Storage Instructions
Let leftovers cool completely, then cover tightly or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven. This casserole also freezes well: wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a drizzle of pure maple syrup and extra blueberries on top.
- Pair with dairy-free vanilla yogurt or a fruit salad for a brunch spread.
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds or toasted coconut flakes for extra texture.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- For the fluffiest texture, don’t skip chilling the casserole before baking.
- Use thick, crusty bread—avoid pre-sliced sandwich loaves for the best structure.
- Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes to get a perfectly crisp, golden top.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning. - What other non-dairy milks work well?
Soy, oat, or coconut milk can all be used in place of almond milk—choose your favorite! - Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, a sturdy, crusty gluten-free loaf works perfectly in this recipe.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours (recommended)
Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: About 3 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old dairy-free bread (about 12 slices), cubed
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free buttery spread, melted
Instructions
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1Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with dairy-free buttery spread. Layer half of the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the dish, then scatter half of the blueberries on top.
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2Add the remaining bread cubes and top with the rest of the blueberries.
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3In a large bowl, whisk together almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
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4Slowly pour the mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing down lightly to ensure all bread is soaked.
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5Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted dairy-free buttery spread over the top.
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6Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
290 caloriescal
Protein:
8gg
Fat:
5gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
53gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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