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Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with this delicious gluten free French Toast Casserole. Perfect for a cozy morning or a special brunch, this dish combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of sugar, and the comfort of toasted gluten-free bread. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
I first discovered this recipe during a family gathering where one of our loved ones had recently gone gluten-free. I wanted to create something everyone could enjoy without feeling left out. After a few trials, this gluten free French Toast Casserole became a staple in our household. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a memory of togetherness and love.
Get ready to cook up a storm with this delightful gluten free French Toast Casserole. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (including prep and baking)
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your baking dish with gluten-free cooking spray. This will ensure your gluten free French Toast Casserole doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Bottom Layer | 1 loaf gluten-free bread, toasted |
|---|---|
| ½ cup brown sugar, packed | |
| 1 tbsp ground cinnamon | |
| Egg Mixture | 6 large eggs, whisked |
| 2 cups milk, dairy-free use almond, cashew or coconut milk | |
| 1 tsp ground cinnamon | |
| ½ cup granulated sugar | |
| 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract | |
| Crumb Topping | 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour, I like Pillsbury gluten-free |
| ½ cup brown sugar, packed | |
| 1 tsp ground cinnamon | |
| ¼ tsp salt | |
| ½ cup unsalted butter, melted | |
| Glaze | 2 cups powdered sugar |
| 1 tsp pure vanilla extract | |
| 2 tbsp milk, dairy-free use almond, cashew or coconut milk |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cut one loaf of the gluten-free bread into small pieces. Spread the gluten-free bread pieces evenly on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, until nicely toasted. Please watch your oven because all ovens are different. Remove from the oven when toasted and set aside.
- Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with gluten-free cooking spray.
- In a small bowl mix together the ½ cup of brown sugar and tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on the bottom of the 9×13 pan.
- Add the toasted bread pieces over the top of the brown sugar mixture.
- In a large measuring cup or medium-sized bowl,
In a small bowl, add the gluten-free flour, brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and melted butter, and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 1 hour on the middle rack. You can see if it is done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the casserole and seeing if it comes out clean. You will also see the sides of the casserole pulling away from the sides of the pan when it is done. The casserole will also be firm and not jiggly when it’s done. Please watch your casserole because all ovens are different.- Mix all of the ingredients of the glaze together in a small bowl until it’s nice and smooth. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before drizzling glaze on it and serving.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, make sure your gluten-free bread is well toasted before adding it to the casserole. This will give your gluten free French Toast Casserole a nice texture and prevent it from becoming soggy. If you’re looking for more gluten-free recipes, check out Oatmeal Protein Cookies Gluten Free Cookies.
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Gluten Free French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 70
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole is the perfect stress-free breakfast for holidays or lazy weekends. Sturdy cubes of gluten-free bread are soaked in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard, then baked until puffy and golden with a crunchy brown sugar streusel topping. It transforms dry gluten-free bread into a moist, decadent treat.
Ingredients
— The Casserole Base —
1 loaf (approx. 14-16 oz) gluten-free bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (stale bread works best)
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat canned coconut milk)
½ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup)
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
— The Streusel Topping —
½ cup packed light brown sugar
⅓ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Place the gluten-free bread cubes into the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
3. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until completely smooth.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure every piece is submerged and soaking up the liquid.
5. Soak (Important!): Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. (Since GF bread is dense, it needs time to absorb the custard fully).
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven heats up.
7. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, gluten-free flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the nuts if using.
8. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (not jiggly). If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes.
10. Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving (this helps it set). Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries.
Notes
Bread Choice: Use a sturdy gluten-free bread like Canyon Bakehouse or Schar. Avoid very airy/light breads as they may dissolve into mush. If your bread is fresh, toast the cubes in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry them out first.
Dairy-Free: This recipe works wonderfully with almond milk and coconut cream. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the topping.
Soggy Bottom Prevention: Ensure you bake it long enough. Gluten-free casseroles often take a few minutes longer than wheat versions to set the liquid in the center.
Leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 165
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use regular bread instead of gluten-free bread?
- No, this recipe specifically calls for gluten-free bread to ensure it’s suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I freeze the gluten free French Toast Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There you have it—a delicious gluten free French Toast Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. For more delicious ideas, follow me on My Pinterest.