Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs

ByOriana Romero Published:
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This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast that bakes up soft, custardy, and full of warm vanilla-cinnamon flavor—without using a single egg. The bread soaks overnight, giving you a perfectly tender, never-soggy texture that tastes just like classic French toast. Ideal for busy mornings, holidays, or feeding a crowd, this allergy-friendly bake keeps breakfast calm and stress-free. Simple ingredients, easy prep, and a buttery crumb topping make this a family favorite every time.

A slice of Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs topped with berries and syrup sits on a white plate, surrounded by bowls of blueberries, raspberries, and a jar of syrup.

Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe

Oriana Romero, creator of Mommy's Home Cooking and egg-free baking queen.

Mornings in our house have always been a little easier when breakfast is already waiting. After more than a decade of egg-free baking, I’ve learned that texture and flavor matter most—and this French toast casserole without eggs delivers both.

Everything soaks overnight, so the bread absorbs all that cozy cinnamon-vanilla goodness without needing eggs to bind it. In the morning, you simply slide the dish into the oven and enjoy the smell of a warm, sweet breakfast filling the house. I tested and re-tested this recipe until it came out perfect every single time—never dry, never mushy, just the right balance of tender and toasty.
For families with allergies, this is one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table. And the best part? It’s completely egg-free.

Why You’ll Want to Try My Recipe

  • Egg-free but classic: Custardy texture and traditional French toast flavor—no eggs needed.
  • Zero Morning Stress: Prep at night, bake in the morning, zero stress.
  • Simple ingredients: Everything is pantry-friendly and easy to find.
  • Perfect texture: Soft in the center, golden on top, never soggy.
  • Feeds a crowd: Ideal for holidays, brunch, or weekend family breakfasts.
  • Allergy-friendly: Safe for egg allergies and incredibly easy to make dairy-free or gluten-free, too. A cozy breakfast everyone can enjoy without worry.
oriana's signature.


Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes

Various bread pudding ingredients are arranged on a white surface, perfect for making Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs—stale bread, heavy cream, butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, and assorted spices and powders.


Scroll down to the recipe card for all the details, including measurements and instructions.

  • Stale Bread: You want it slightly dry so it can soak up the custard. Any sturdy bread works—Italian, French, brioche, challah, or even a gluten-free loaf.
  • Whole Milk: This adds moisture and creaminess to replace traditional eggs. Use your favorite dairy-free milk if needed—oat or soy work best.
  • Heavy Cream: Makes the custard richer and gives you that classic French toast texture. For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free “heavy cream” alternative.
  • Cornstarch: My secret to thickening the custard without eggs! It helps create that soft, set texture we love.
  • Ground Cinnamon & Ground Nutmeg: Warm, cozy flavors that make this casserole taste like a morning treat.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
  • Salt: Balances everything—just a pinch makes a difference.
  • Custard Powder: I know these might not be your typical pantry staples, but if you’re a French Toast lover like me, they’re worth having on hand. They add a subtle, savory, eggy flavor that takes these egg-free toasts to the next level—so delicious, you won’t miss the eggs one bit!  If unavailable, you can substitute additional cornstarch.
  • Nutritional Yeast: This is optional, but I love using a small amount because it gives the custard a subtle “eggy” richness without adding eggs. Don’t worry—you won’t taste cheese!
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: A must for classic French toast flavor.

Crumb Topping

  • Light Brown Sugar – Sweet and caramel-like.
  • All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the crumble.
  • Ground Cinnamon – For extra warmth on top.
  • Unsalted Butter: Makes that irresistible golden topping. Use vegan butter if needed.

To Serve (Optional)

  • Confectioners’ Sugar: A pretty finishing touch.
  • Pure Maple Syrup: Warm and cozy.
  • Fresh Berries: Adds brightness and freshness.

Food Allergy Swaps

This recipe is naturally egg, dairy, wheat/gluten, nut, peanut, soy, sesame, fish, and shellfish-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs, but always check labels for hidden allergens.

  • Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives.
    • Milk: You can use your favorite non-dairy milk, like soy or oat milk.
    • Heavy Cream: Use your favorite dairy-free heavy cream. If you have several options, aim for a dairy-free cream with the highest content if possible. I love Flora Plant Cream, but I know it’s difficult to find in the USA. You can use a non-dairy cream, such as Country Crock Plant Cream, Silk, Califia Farms, or full-fat coconut cream.
    • Butter: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter substitutes. Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter, Trader Joe’s brand vegan butter, and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks are my favorite butter substitutes for baking. For the best flavor, use a vegan butter that tastes good. Use sticks or blocks, not tub (spreadable) butter.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap out the bread for your favorite gluten-free variety — just make sure it’s not too crumbly.

Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

Cut the Bread

  • A white baking dish filled with evenly spread chunks of cubed bread on a white surface, perfect for preparing Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs.
    Just grab your loaf and cut it into medium-sized cubes. They don’t have to be perfect—just try to keep them roughly the same size so they soak evenly. Spread them out in your baking dish and set it aside.

Extra Tip:

If your bread is not stale, I recommend drying it in the oven for 10 minutes at 300ºF so it can soak properly.

Make the Eggless Custard Mixture

  • Two side-by-side images show ingredients for Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs in a glass bowl—flour, spices, and liquid on the left, then whisked together on the right.
    In a big bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, spices, cornstarch, vanilla, custard powder, and nutritional yeast (if using). It will look a little thinner than traditional custard, and that’s totally okay—it thickens as it bakes.

Make the Crumb

  • Two glass bowls: the left contains sugar, flour, and cubed butter for an Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs; the right shows the mixture combined into coarse crumbs, both on a white surface.
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Assemble and Chill

  • Two-panel image: Left shows a hand pouring a milk mixture over cubed bread in a white baking dish; right shows bread cubes coated with the mixture, ready to bake—perfect for Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs.
    Pour that cozy custard mixture all over the bread. Gently press the bread down so every piece gets a little bath. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and pop it in the fridge overnight (or at least a few hours) so the bread can soak up all the flavor.

Add the Crumb

  • Two side-by-side images show a baking dish with cubed bread pieces on the left and the same dish topped with crumbs on the right, illustrating an Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs on a white surface.
    In the morning, sprinkle the crumb topping over the casserole.

Bake

  • Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs baked to perfection, topped with powdered sugar, raspberries, and blueberries in a white dish, surrounded by bowls of fresh berries and a striped towel.
    Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set. Let the French toast casserole cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with maple syrup and fresh berries, if desired.

Recipe Tips For Success

➤ Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Bread soaking unevenly: Some pieces may stay drier than others. Pro Tip: Press the bread gently into the mixture before chilling. Give the casserole a quick toss halfway through soaking if you can.
  • The casserole bakes too soft or too firm: This depends on bread type. Pro Tip: Use a sturdy, slightly stale loaf. Soft sandwich bread will soak more liquid and may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
  • Crumb topping melts too quickly: Butter warms as you mix. Pro Tip: Keep the butter cold and crumble it with your fingers or a fork so the topping bakes crispy and golden.
  • The center needs more time: Overnight casseroles can bake differently depending on your pan. Pro Tip: If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil and continue baking until the center is set and bubbly.

➤ Extra Tips:

  • Slightly stale bread is best for this egg-free French toast. If the bread is too fresh, then it will absorb too much custard and make the French toast soggy. If your bread is fresh and super soft, I recommend drying it in the oven for 10 minutes at 300º F so it can soak properly. I usually cut up my bread and let it sit out during the day or even overnight an extra night, if I have that much advance planning.
  • Make sure to cut the bread into even cubes to help it soak more consistently.
  • Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking so the custard sets perfectly.
An Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs, topped with powdered sugar, raspberries, and blueberries in a white ceramic pan.

Variations & Additions

  • Berries: Scatter 1 cup of fresh berries over the bread before the topping. I do not recommend frozen berries.
  • Cream Cheese: Layer half of the bread in the prepared baking dish. Beat 8 oz (226 g) of the room-temperature cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth. Add in the 2 tablespoons (15 g) confectioners’ sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined. Drop random spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the bread. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese.
  • Dried Fruit: Add raisins or dried cranberries for a cozy fall twist.
  • Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips for a kid-friendly treat.
  • Orange: Add orange zest for a bright, fresh flavor.
A baked Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs is topped with fresh raspberries, blueberries, and powdered sugar on a white surface.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

To Freeze: Freeze baked portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven before serving.

To Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours and up to 24 hours. Overnight is best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use a thickened milk mixture made with dairy or non-dairy milk, a bit of cornstarch, and flavorings like vanilla and cinnamon. It mimics the custard texture eggs normally give.

Sturdy breads like brioche, challah, French bread, or leftover sandwich bread hold up well after soaking overnight.

Yes, but I recommend drying it in the oven for 10 minutes at 300ºF so it can soak properly.

Absolutely! Use dairy-free milk, dairy-free cream, and vegan butter. It works beautifully.

Overnight gives the best texture, but 3 – 4 hours will work in a pinch.

Yes! Use a larger baking dish and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Yes. Bake fully, let it cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat at 300°F until warmed through.

Yes—freeze after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat covered at 325°F.

A slice of Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs topped with berries sits on a white plate, with a fork taking a bite and syrup pooling underneath.

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Recipe Card

A slice of Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs topped with berries and syrup sits on a white plate, surrounded by bowls of blueberries, raspberries, and a jar of syrup.

Eggless Overnight French Toast

Oriana Romero
This Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs bakes into a soft, custardy center with a golden, buttery crumb topping. The bread soaks overnight in warm cinnamon-vanilla milk for maximum flavor and perfect texture. It’s an easy, reliable, allergy-friendly breakfast that makes mornings calmer and more delicious.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Chilling Time: 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12 servings

Equipment

Ingredients
 

Crumb Topping:

To Serve (optional):

Important

You can find step-by-step photos above in the post and/or right here on the recipe card. They’ll walk you through the process and make everything super clear! Just click the camera icon button below on the right to show or hide them. Turn them off before printing if you prefer a cleaner copy!

Instructions
 

  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Slice the bread and then cut the bread into cubes, about 1 inch in size. Spread the cubes into the prepared baking pan.
    A white baking dish filled with evenly spread chunks of cubed bread on a white surface, perfect for preparing Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, salt, custard powder, nutritional yeast (if using), and vanilla until smooth.
  • Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Toss gently to combine, then spread the mixture into an even layer. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
    Two-panel image: Left shows a hand pouring a milk mixture over cubed bread in a white baking dish; right shows bread cubes coated with the mixture, ready to bake—perfect for Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs.
  • Prepare the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350° F (180° C).
  • Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the surface.
  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set. Let the French toast casserole cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with maple syrup and fresh berries, if desired.
    A white baking dish filled with golden-brown Overnight French Toast Casserole Without Eggs sits on a cooling rack against a white background.
  • Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with maple syrup and fresh berries, if desired.
Oriana’s Notes
 
Bread. The perfect French toast really starts with the bread. I like to use a thick and soft variety, such as my homemade eggless brioche, because it gets extra crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flavorful inside. If you don’t have time to make your own egg-free brioche, this pre-sliced  Brioche Style Bread Loaf or these eggless brioche rolls could be a good alternative. Other great options are Challah, Texas toast, and Croissant Toast Loaf. Whatever bread you’re going to use, make sure it’s egg-free. I prefer to use challah, brioche, or other crusty bread. You’ll need 1 12-16 oz loaf. Also, make sure to cut the bread into even cubes to help it soak more consistently.
 
Stale Bread: If the bread is too fresh, then it will absorb too much custard and make the French toast soggy. If your bread is fresh and super soft, I recommend drying it in the oven for 10 minutes at 300º F so it can soak properly. I usually cut up my bread and let it sit out during the day or even overnight an extra night, if I have that much advance planning.
 
Milk: You can substitute regular milk for evaporated milk or half and half for extra richness.
 
Salt: When making French Toasts, I like to use black salt, which tastes and smells like hard-boiled egg yolks. This salt is used in many vegan/eggless recipes to mimic the flavor of eggs. It can be found in gourmet grocery stores or online on Amazon. Don’t you have black salt? No problem! Just use regular salt. 
 
Custard Powder: I know these might not be your typical pantry staples, but if you’re a French Toast lover like me, they’re worth having on hand. They add a subtle, savory, eggy flavor that takes these egg-free toasts to the next level—so delicious, you won’t miss the eggs one bit!  If unavailable, you can substitute additional cornstarch. This is the custard powder I use. 
 
Nutritional Yeast: This is optional, but I love using a small amount because it gives the custard a subtle “eggy” richness without adding eggs. Don’t worry—you won’t taste cheese!. You can find it in most grocery stores or online here. 
 
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
 
Freeze: Freeze baked portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven before serving.
 
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours and up to 24 hours. Overnight is best.
 
Half Recipe: This recipe can easily be halved in an 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan. The bake time will be slightly shorter, around 30-35 minutes.
 
Food Allergy Swaps:
This recipe is naturally egg, dairy, wheat/gluten, nut, peanut, soy, sesame, fish, and shellfish-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs, but always check labels for hidden allergens.
  • Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives.
    • Milk: You can use your favorite non-dairy milk, like soy or oat milk.
    • Heavy Cream: Use your favorite dairy-free heavy cream. If you have several options, aim for a dairy-free cream with the highest content if possible. I love Flora Plant Cream, but I know it’s difficult to find in the USA. You can use a non-dairy cream, such as Country Crock Plant Cream, Silk, Califia Farms, or full-fat coconut cream.
    • Butter: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter substitutes. Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter, Trader Joe’s brand vegan butter, and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks are my favorite butter substitutes for baking. For the best flavor, use a vegan butter that tastes good. Use sticks or blocks, not tub (spreadable) butter.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap out the bread for your favorite gluten-free variety — just make sure it’s not too crumbly.
 
Recipe Tips For Success:
➤ Troubleshooting Tips:
  • Bread soaking unevenly: Some pieces may stay drier than others. Pro Tip: Press the bread gently into the mixture before chilling. Give the casserole a quick toss halfway through soaking if you can.
  • The casserole bakes too soft or too firm: This depends on the bread type. Pro Tip: Use a sturdy, slightly stale loaf. Soft sandwich bread will soak up more liquid and may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
  • Crumb topping melts too quickly: Butter warms as you mix. Pro Tip: Keep the butter cold and crumble it with your fingers or a fork so the topping bakes crispy and golden.
  • The center needs more time: Overnight casseroles can bake differently depending on your pan. Pro Tip: If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil and continue baking until the center is set and bubbly.
 
➤ Extra Tips:
  • Slightly stale bread is best for this egg-free French toast. If the bread is too fresh, then it will absorb too much custard and make the French toast soggy. If your bread is fresh and super soft, I recommend drying it in the oven for 10 minutes at 300º F so it can soak properly. I usually cut up my bread and let it sit out during the day or even overnight an extra night, if I have that much advance planning.
  • Make sure to cut the bread into even cubes to help it soak more consistently.
  • Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking so the custard sets perfectly.
 
➤ Variations & Additions
  • Berries: Scatter 1 cup of fresh berries over the bread before the topping. I do not recommend frozen berries.
  • Cream Cheese: Layer half of the bread in the prepared baking dish. Beat 8 oz (226 g) of the room-temperature cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth. Add in the 2 tablespoons (15 g) confectioners’ sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined. Drop random spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the bread. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese.
  • Dried Fruit: Add raisins or dried cranberries for a cozy fall twist.
  • Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips for a kid-friendly treat.
  • Orange: Add orange zest for a bright, fresh flavor.
 
 

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Nutrition

Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 82mgPotassium: 133mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 539IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Calories 251
Keyword breakfast casserole egg-free french toast recipe

I’m Oriana, the heart (and busy hands!) behind Mommy’s Home Cooking. I’m a wife, allergy mom of three, recipe developer, and full-time food blogger obsessed with creating easy, allergy and family-friendly recipes. Around here, it’s all about eggless cooking that actually tastes amazing—because food allergies shouldn’t mean missing out on the good stuff!

5 from 3 votes

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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Amazing! Made this for Christmas morning..super easy and delicious! My kids with egg allergies had never had French toast before and were so excited and loved it!

    Reply

    1. Hello Kari! Oh my goodness, this one really got me — thank you for sharing that 💛 Knowing your kids got to enjoy French toast on Christmas morning for the first time means everything to me. I’m so happy it was easy, delicious, and helped make a special holiday memory for your family. That’s exactly why I’m here.

      Reply

    1. Hi Sierra! That sounds absolutely delicious — brioche makes everything extra special, and the blueberries are such a lovely addition. I’m so glad it was easy and turned out well for you. Thanks for sharing how you made it your own! 💛

      Reply

  3. 5 stars
    Oriana ! You did it again!
    Wow! I do not know how you do it, but it was better than the “real” thing.
    I changed it a little to make it closer to the regular recipe we love. (No cinnamon or nutmeg, instead of crumb topping I melt butter with brown sugar and before baking you spread it really well on top and in between the bread pieces). I used instant pudding vanilla as custard powder. The yeast thingy was easy to find in Whole Foods.
    It turned so so good. I just can’t believe it!
    My son in law has an egg allergy, never had bread pudding ever before.Thank you again and again! What a wonderful unbelievable recipes you have!

    Reply

      1. 😂 Isn’t that the best feeling? Once you see how amazing it turns out without the eggs, it really does make the old recipe look a little wild. I love knowing your family can enjoy it just as much — that’s the real win here. 💛

        Reply

    2. Hello SS! Oh my goodness, this just made my day. I love how you adapted it to match your family’s favorite version — that butter and brown sugar twist sounds so cozy and delicious. And hearing that your son-in-law got to enjoy bread pudding for the first time ever… that’s exactly why I do this. No one should feel left out at the table, ever. Thank you for trusting my recipes and for sharing this with me — truly means more than you know 💛

      Reply