Baked French Toast with Orange and Berries
A make-ahead breakfast casserole that transforms day-old bread into a golden, custardy delight using silken tofu instead of eggs. Orange zest brightens the cinnamon-spiced custard while fresh berries and sliced almonds add natural sweetness and crunch. Perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings when you want to feed a crowd without the hassle of stovetop cooking. The tofu creates an incredibly creamy texture that rivals traditional egg-based versions.
Ingredients
- 1 orange, zested and juiced for 1/4 cup
- 1 package silken tofu, 12.3 ounces, 350 gramseggssee notes for conversionveganvegetariansoy-freeadds eggs
use traditional egg custard base
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons oil, olive, melted coconut, or avocado
- 1 cup plant-based milkdairy milk1:1 ratiovegetarian
any milk works fine
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 16 ounces French bread, fluffy, airy, sliced into 1-2 inch chunks
- 1 lb berries or fruit, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberriesapples, pears, peaches1:1 ratioseasonal
chop into similar size pieces
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 F
- 2
Zest the orange and set zest aside
- 3
Blend silken tofu, maple syrup, oil, milk, orange juice, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy
- 4
Cut bread into chunks and place in large bowl
- 5
Pour creamy mixture over bread, add half the orange zest, and toss to coat
- 6
Toss in strawberries and almonds, then pour into greased 9x13 inch baking dish
- 7
Sprinkle remaining orange zest over top and cover with foil
- 8
Bake covered for 30 minutes until slightly puffed
- 9
Remove foil and continue baking uncovered for 15 minutes until golden
- 10
Serve with maple syrup and powdered sugar
Tips
Grate fresh nutmeg over top and drizzle with more maple syrup for added flavor.
Turn some strawberries skin-side-up for prettier presentation before baking.
If dish is overly full, cover with parchment then foil to prevent sticking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or oven.
Assemble completely, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from cold, adding 5-10 minutes to covered baking time.
Best served warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit on the side.
Common Mistakes
Use day-old bread to avoid soggy texture from too-fresh bread
Don't skip covering with foil to prevent over-browning before custard sets
Blend tofu mixture thoroughly to avoid lumpy custard texture
Substitutions
Vegan Options
use traditional egg custard base
Full guide →Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
any milk works fine
chop into similar size pieces
FAQ
Can I make this with regular eggs instead of tofu?
Yes, replace the silken tofu with 6-8 beaten eggs. The custard will be slightly less creamy but equally delicious.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze this French toast casserole?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating in a 350F oven.