Name: Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: ¾ cup vegan butter (115g); 1 cup packed brown sugar (200g); 2 tbsp maple syrup or corn syrup (30mL); 1 large loaf French bread or brioche-style bread, cut into 6 slices, each 1 inch thick (about 450g); 1 ½ cups canned coconut cream (360mL); 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant milk (240mL); ¼ cup cornstarch (32g); ¼ cup maple syrup (60mL); 2 tsp vanilla extract (10mL); 1 tsp orange juice (5mL); ¼ tsp sea salt (1.5g); ⅛ tsp turmeric, optional, for color (0.5g)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you adore the luxurious combination of creamy custard and caramelized sugar but want to enjoy it in a cozy breakfast form, this Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe is an absolute game changer. It transforms classic crème brûlée flavors into a soft, decadent casserole layered with tender bread soaked in a rich vegan custard and topped with sticky caramel that elevates every bite. Whether for a weekend brunch or special occasion, this dish invites you to indulge in familiar tastes with a comforting twist that’s totally irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a small silver pot with a black handle, filled with a smooth, thick caramel sauce that has a warm golden-brown color. The sauce spreads evenly inside the pot with slight swirls visible on its surface. The pot is placed on a white marbled textured surface, which adds a clean and bright background to the image photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring a unique contribution to the final dish, rounding out flavors and textures perfectly. The caramel base packs depth and sweetness, while the custard combines creaminess with subtle citrus notes to make the casserole unforgettable.

Vegan butter: Melts smoothly to create the luscious caramel base and sauce with a rich mouthfeel.
Brown sugar: Adds that classic deep caramel flavor and natural sweetness.
Maple syrup or corn syrup: Helps the caramel sauce stay sticky and glossy for drizzling.
French bread or brioche loaf: Thick slices absorb the custard perfectly, providing a soft yet structured foundation.
Canned coconut cream: The heart of the vegan custard, delivering silky richness and smooth texture.
Unsweetened almond milk: Lightens the custard with mild nuttiness and balances the coconut cream.
Cornstarch: Thickens the custard so it sets nicely around the bread slices.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warm, sweet aromatics that elevate the custard’s flavor.
Orange juice: Adds a hint of brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
Sea salt: Enhances the flavor profile by balancing the sweetness.
Turmeric (optional): Provides a subtle golden color to make the dish visually inviting.

How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base

Start by melting the vegan butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup until they dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This creates a rich caramel sauce that forms the base of the casserole, giving each bite an indulgent, buttery sweetness. Pour half of this golden mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and tilt it so the caramel coats the bottom evenly. Keep the rest aside to drizzle on the finished casserole later.

Step 2: Assemble the Bread Layer

Trim the crusts from your French or brioche bread slices if you prefer a uniformly tender texture, then carefully arrange them snugly in a single layer over the caramel base. This bread soaks up the subsequent custard beautifully, creating layers of soft, flavored goodness that melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a blender or bowl, combine canned coconut cream, almond milk, cornstarch, maple syrup, vanilla, orange juice, sea salt, and a pinch of turmeric if you want that extra sunny color. Whisk or blend until completely smooth. This luscious custard will soak into the bread, imbuing each slice with creamy, vanilla-infused richness and a delicate citrus hint.

Step 4: Soak and Chill

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread, pressing gently so the liquid sinks into each slice. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a tender, flavorful bake. For an even more developed taste and effortless morning prep, you can refrigerate it overnight.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bring the casserole to room temperature by letting it rest outside the fridge for 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the custard is set and the top has a delicate golden hue. Meanwhile, gently warm the reserved caramel sauce until pourable so you can luxuriously drizzle it over every slice just before serving.

How to Serve Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish holds six large, golden brown slices of baked French toast, arranged close together to cover the entire dish. Each slice has a slightly crispy texture with darker edges and visible grooves from the bread's surface. A thick, glossy caramel sauce is drizzled generously over the top of all the slices, adding a rich amber shine that contrasts with the warm golden color of the toast. Next to the baking dish, a small clear glass bowl contains more caramel sauce with a white spoon resting inside. The setup is placed on a white marbled surface, and a beige cloth with thin brown stripes is softly crumpled to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or chopped almonds on top for delightful crunch and a nutty contrast that complements the soft custard. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries bring a burst of freshness and natural acidity to balance the dish’s sweetness. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible flowers can elevate the presentation to café-worthy elegance with minimal effort.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, lightly dressed greens or a small bowl of citrus fruit salad to cut through its richness. Vegan sausage links or tempeh bacon offer savory, smoky counterpoints that make the meal more filling and exciting. For a complete brunch spread, add a pot of freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa to enhance the indulgent vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress guests by serving the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that look elegant and allow for neat caramel drizzles on top. Alternatively, add a playful twist by topping each serving with a quick brûlée torch to caramelize brown sugar just before eating, mirroring the classic dish’s signature crust. For a casual family breakfast, serve family-style right from the baking dish and let everyone personalize their toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, though the top may lose some crispness. When ready to eat, simply reheat gently to regain the comforting warmth and softness you love.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after cooking. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen before baking, it can thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake fresh in the morning; if frozen after baking, reheat slowly in the oven until warmed through.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe is in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15-20 minutes. Once hot, remove the foil to help the top regain a slight golden texture. Warm your reserved caramel sauce separately to drizzle just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?

Absolutely! While French or brioche bread works best for its richness and texture, you can substitute with challah, sourdough, or even thick-cut sandwich bread. Just make sure the slices are sturdy enough to hold the custard without becoming overly soggy.

Is this Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe uses vegan butter, coconut cream, and plant-based milk to keep it completely vegan without sacrificing the creamy, indulgent flavors you expect from crème brûlée-inspired desserts.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning?

Definitely. In fact, chilling the assembled casserole overnight helps the bread soak up more custard, resulting in a more custardy, flavorful dish. Just take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off.

What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch at a 1:1 ratio. These alternatives also help thicken the custard while keeping it glossy and smooth.

Is there a gluten-free option for this casserole?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free bread substitute that’s sturdy and slightly dense, like a gluten-free brioche or sandwich loaf. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly, but the overall flavors still shine beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe is the perfect blend of dessert-inspired indulgence and comforting breakfast warmth. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, yet sophisticated enough to impress anyone lucky enough to dig in. So go ahead, give it a try—your mornings will never be the same after experiencing a slice of this caramel-kissed, custardy delight.