• Recipes
  • About
  • Cookbook
  • The Edit
  • Beyond the Kale
  • HypePress
  • Contact
Recipes
About
cookbook
the edit
Beyond the Kale
Hype
contact
search

sign up for insights and exclusives

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Loading

Delicious, nourishing and totally doable!

Search your way

From “gluten free and cheesy” to “something cozy with cinnamon” this search gets you. It’s smart enough to find exactly what you’re craving.

Non-Negotiables? Dial In
the Vibes even fuRther!

🍂 all the fall
🥑 Paleo Friendly
🐄 beef
🍖 chicken
🥤 smoothies
🍪 cookies
🥗 big ass salads

Delicious, nourishing and totally doable!

A platter of the lightened up French toast casserole, sitting on a countertop, alongside a plate, knife, and a bowl of berries
  • Dairy Free
  • Nut Free

No ratings yet
Home | Recipe | Breakfast

Lightened Up French Toast Casserole

Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Protein 89g
Carbs 463g
Fats 56g
When it comes to decadent and delightful breakfasts, there is nothing better than french toast. This soft, sweet, and sugary breakfast treat is adored by all- after all, who can't get enough of toasty bread, sweet sugar, and a downpour of maple syrup?! My Lightened Up French Toast Casserole is exactly as it sounds – a lightened-up, dairy-free version of the French toast recipe that you know and love, but made in the form of a casserole for a version that's a breeze to serve!

Recipe by:

Nicole Modic

January 25, 2023
Jump to Recipe

Skip to the goods

    When it comes to decadent and delightful breakfasts, there is nothing better than french toast. This soft, sweet, and sugary breakfast treat is adored by all- after all, who can’t get enough of toasty bread, sweet sugar, and a downpour of maple syrup?! My Lightened Up French Toast Casserole is exactly as it sounds – a lightened-up, dairy-free version of the French toast recipe that you know and love, but made in the form of a casserole for a version that’s a breeze to serve!

    A platter of the lightened up French toast casserole, sitting on a countertop, alongside a plate, knife, and a bowl of berries

    Blast this to the group chat

    126 shares

    As a busy mom with a love for all things breakfast, I am always on the lookout for delicious and easy recipes that I can whip up on a busy morning. From my Mini Nutella Croissants, to my Easy Meal Prep Breakfast Sandwiches, I love breakfast recipes that are not only delicious, but come together in just a few short minutes. But when it comes to breakfast recipes, nothing can be better than decadent, delicious French toast.

    However, French toast recipes are known to be a bit of a labor of love. And on busy mornings, I just don’t have time to spend hours whipping up French toast on the stove! Which is why this Lightened Up French Toast Casserole is truly the answer to all of my prayers. Not only is it a much easier way to make a large batch of French toast in a short period of time, but this recipe can also be whipped up ahead of time and baked in the mornings!

    When I know I want to make this casserole ahead of time, I’ll simply prep it the night before, keep it in the fridge, and then pop it into the oven first thing in the morning. While it does take 45-50 minutes to bake, I’ll put it in first thing when I wake up, get my kiddos ready for the day, and by the time I’m finished, so is this casserole. It’s so easy!

    Two plates of the lightened up French toast casserole, sitting on a countertop alongside a bowl of berries and a pitcher of maple syrup
    Sliced challah bread, sitting on a cutting board, surrounded by ingredients to make this casserole

    What You Need to Make This Simple & Easy Prep-Ahead Breakfast

    • Challah or Brioche Loaf: Challah is my favorite bread to use in this recipe, because it’s light, sweet, and fluffy. If you can’t find challah, or don’t want to use it, brioche also works well in this recipe!
    • Eggs: You will need 6 real eggs to make this recipe come to life. Unfortunately it doesn’t work the same with egg substitutes, so to my vegan friends: I’m sorry!
    All of the ingredients needed to make this French toast casserole, laid out on a countertop
    • Non-Dairy Milk: Since this recipe is dairy-free, it requires dairy-free milk. Any non-dairy milk works well in this recipe, but I particularly love oat milk because it’s nice and creamy!
    • Coconut Sugar: Because this is a “lightened-up” French toast casserole, we’ll be using coconut sugar instead of refined sugar. Why? Coconut sugar isn’t refined and adds a more natural sweetness.
    • Vanille Extract: A touch of vanilla extract adds the perfect flavor to this French toast casserole!
    • Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Cinnamon and nutmeg add the perfect balance of spices to this French toast recipe!
    • Molasses: Molasses helps this French toast, toast up nicely, and get its nice, rich, golden brown color!
    A plate of the lightened up French toast casserole, with syrup being actively poured on top of it

    How to Make This Fluffy French Toast Casserole Recipe

    Making this casserole involves a few easy steps that are simple and easy! To get started, start by cutting your challah or brioche loaf into 2 inch squares.

    Next, grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or oil and place the cubes inside of it, ensuring that they are evenly spaced. Set aside.  In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses, stirring until there are no clumps. Once done, pour the mixture into the baking dish, being sure to cover all of the cubes of bread.

    A close-up image of the pre-baked French toast casserole
    A tray full of the lightened up French toast casserole, sitting alongside a plate and a bowl of strawberries

    Use a spoon or your hands to gently press the bread down into the dish, to ensure that all of the liquid has absorbed into the bread cubes. If you are preparing this dish ahead of time, cover your baking dish with foil and refrigerate until you are ready to bake it.

    When you’re ready to bake your casserole, simply preheat your oven to 350 F. Next, pour your cinnamon and sugar into a small bowl and whisk together until evenly combined.

    Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the bread cubes. Finally, bake your casserole for 45-50 minutes. Once done, serve and enjoy! Garnish with fresh berries and maple syrup on top, if desired.

    If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! And, since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so that I can repost them! xx

    ** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
    A platter of the lightened up French toast casserole, sitting on a countertop, alongside a plate, knife, and a bowl of berries

    Home | Recipe | Breakfast

    No ratings yet

    Lightened Up French Toast Casserole

    • Dairy Free
    • Nut Free
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 50 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
    When it comes to decadent and delightful breakfasts, there is nothing better than french toast. This soft, sweet, and sugary breakfast treat is adored by all- after all, who can't get enough of toasty bread, sweet sugar, and a downpour of maple syrup?! My Lightened Up French Toast Casserole is exactly as it sounds – a lightened-up, dairy-free version of the French toast recipe that you know and love, but made in the form of a casserole for a version that's a breeze to serve!
    print pin
    Servings: 6 Servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    For the French Toast:
    • 12 Ounce Loaf Challah or Brioche Bread
    • 6 Eggs
    • 2 Cups Non-Dairy Milk
    • ¾ Cup Coconut Sugar
    • 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
    • 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
    • 1 Teaspoon Nutmeg
    • 1 Tablespoon Molasses
    For the Topping:
    • 3 Tablespoons Sugar
    • 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

    Instructions 

    1. Start by cutting your challah or brioche loaf into 2 inch squares.
    2. Next, grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or oil and place the cubes inside of it, ensuring that they are evenly spaced. Set aside.
    3. Next, in a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses, stirring until there are no clumps. Once done, pour the mixture into the baking dish, being sure to cover all of the cubes of bread.
    4. Use a spoon or your hands to gently press the bread down into the dish, to ensure that all of the liquid has absorbed into the bread cubes.
    5. If you are preparing this dish ahead of time, cover your baking dish with foil and refrigerate until you are ready to bake it.
    6. When you're ready to bake your casserole, simply preheat your oven to 350 F.
    7. Next, pour your cinnamon and sugar into a small bowl and whisk together until evenly combined.
    8. Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the bread cubes.
    9. Finally, bake your casserole for 45-50 minutes.
    10. Once done, serve and enjoy! Garnish with fresh berries and maple syrup on top, if desired.
    Nutrition Hide Nutrition
    Calories: 2747kcalCarbohydrates: 463gProtein: 89gFat: 56gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 462mgSodium: 3524mgPotassium: 1209mgFiber: 22gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 2227IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 972mgIron: 28mg
    Hey I’m Nicole!

    Founder of Kale junkie

    Your go-to girl for bold, nourishing eats that actually taste good.

    more goss
    follow along
    newest recipes
    • Copycat Nordstrom Tomato Soup

      Copycat Nordstrom Tomato Soup

    • Better Than Takeout Broccoli

      Better Than Takeout Broccoli

    • Air Fryer Crispy Salmon Bites with Lemon Dill Sauce

      Air Fryer Crispy Salmon Bites with Lemon Dill Sauce

    • Pepperoni & Veggie Chicken Crust Pizza

      Pepperoni & Veggie Chicken Crust Pizza

    avoid the fomo

    The unfiltered Kale Junkie experience. Real-life bits you won’t find anywhere else, it’s all happening here.

    subscribe
    trending recipes
    The sliced beef tenderloin, sitting on a plate next to crispy smashed potatoes and grilled broccolini
    The Ultimate Easy Beef Tenderloin
    A big pot of the one-pan "Marry Me" chicken orzo, sitting on a countertop with a spoon resting inside of it
    One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo
    Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

    More Recipes Like This

    Muffins

    Banana Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Top view of everything bagels on parchment paper. One bagel is sliced open with creamy spread on it. A knife with more spread lies nearby, and a bowl with the same spread is partially visible in the upper right corner.
    Breakfast

    Higher Protein Einkorn Everything Bagels

    Breakfast

    Spinach & Sausage Breakfast Bake

    Breakfast

    One Pan High-Protein Breakfast Strata

    Rate & review

    SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!

    Delicious, nourishing
    and totally doable!

    Get the inside scoop

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    • About
    • Cookbook
    • The Edit
    • Hype
    • Contact
    instagram
    TikTok
    Facebook
    YouTube
    Pinterest
    © 2025 Kalejunkie. All Rights Reserved.

    Website by Saevil Row + Made To Thrive

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required