Vegan French Toast Bake

Fall is in full swing here in Wisconsin. With a chill in the air and the leaves changing color, it reminds me of cozy Saturday mornings inside by the fire place in my parent’s house. My parents are both amazing cooks. Since going vegan, I have been trying to convert their delicious meals into their vegan sister dishes. Today I have for you a family  favorite Vegan. French. Toast. Bake. Talk about all the fall feels. BESIDES, WHO DOESN’T LOVE FRENCH TOAST?! Enjoy this easy recipe for you and your family. This recipe can be made gluten free by using gluten free bread.

Ingredients:

• 3 c. almond milk
• 2 tsp. maple syrup
• 2 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground clove
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 c. brown sugar packed (organic to ensure it’s vegan)
• 1/2 c. vegan “buttermilk”
• 1 1/2 tbsp. chia seeds ground
• 1 loaf vegan day-old vegan bread (I used a vegan sourdough)
• 2 tbsp. vegan butter

I have talked about the vegan “buttermilk” in my lemon blueberry muffin-top recipe found here. But-for a refresher, whisk 1/2 cup of almond milk with 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar and let sit for 5-10 minutes. The vinegar will cause the almond milk to slightly curdle, and make the buttermilk.

1. Pre-Heat oven to 350°.
2. Cut the loaf of bread into 3/4 or 1 inch pieces. Place in large bowl for later.
3. In a smaller bowl mix together 1/2 cup almond milk with 2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Put aside.
4. Take 1 1/2 tablespoons of chia seeds, and grind them. I used a coffee grinder
5. In a large mixing bowl combine: almond milk, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground clove, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, ground chia seeds, and vegan buttermilk.

   

6. Pour 1/3 of the liquid mixture over the bread, and carefully mix. Repeat until the liquid mixture is combined into the bread.
7. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Add the bread and liquid mixture into the baking dish.
8. Chop the 2 tablespoons of vegan butter, and place sporadically over the top.

   

9. Bake covered for 35-40 minutes
10. Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
11. Top with candied pecans and pure maple syrup.

Serves 6-8

BUT WAIT! 

If you need a recipe for candied pecans, look no further!

Candied Pecans

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. vegan butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (organic to ensure it is vegan)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat
2. Add vegan butter to the skillet, and wait until you see bubbles start to form
3. Toast pecans for 2-3 minutes in the skillet
4. Add brown sugar
5. Stir continuously until the sugar melts
6. Remove from heat, and cool on a baking sheet

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did.

Love, Liv