I know we are drawing nearer and nearer to Christmas (and there are cookies to come!), but I don’t want to forget about brunch! I always forget that the weekends should not only be filled with cookie baking, but brunch too! I’ve been throwing together this cranberry and pear vegan french toast casserole and it’s been the perfect way to get brunch on the table and leave ample time for holiday baking.
I know that desserts, cookies and sweet things get all the attention this time of year, but what about brunch and breakfast? As my second favorite meal of the day (dessert comes in first, obviously), it seems to be forgotten during the holiday season in favor of big dinners and platters of cookies, but we all still need to eat in the morning, right? I always run into the issue of having too much dessert around the house and kind of forgetting about breakfast during this season. Easy breakfast to the rescue!
One of the best parts of this vegan french toast casserole is that it’s not only festive looking, with its pretty cranberries and juicy pears, but it’s so simple to throw together! Plus, it gives you an excuse to buy a hearty loaf of bread from the bakery section of the store, always a win. If you are wary of the chickpea flour or aren’t sure about it, just give it a try. I was hesitant at first because it does seem like an odd flour, but it makes the perfect thickener for the liquid part of this vegan french toast casserole. I know Whole Foods normally has it in the bulk bins, so you only have to buy as much as you need and having a bag around is perfect for making clump free gravies (it works like a charm!) and tackling those gluten-free recipes you’ve been meaning to try. Between the crunchy sweet chunks of hearty bread on top, to the sweet parts on the bottom, with the cranberries nestled in between the whole thing, this casserole is like a hearty holiday-themed hug.
What do you usually make for brunch during the holiday season? Mine is usually a cross between this, pancakes, or a family favorite of Swedish tea log!
Recipe Notes:
- Chickpea flour is going to work best for this, I wouldn’t recommend subbing in any other kinds!
- Multi-grain bread can be used in place of sourdough, just make sure it’s thick and can hold up to the liquid mixture. The worst thing would be to have a soggy french toast casserole.
- This can easily be prepped the night before! Just whisk together the liquid the night before, prep the bread and store separate until right before you’re ready to bake.
Cranberry and Pear Vegan French Toast Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Breakfast
Description
Chock full of cranberries and juicy pears, this vegan french toast casserole is a delicious holiday brunch dish!
Ingredients
- 3–4 large slices sourdough bread (cubed)
- 1 pear (chopped)
- 3/4 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup almond milk
- â…“ cup chickpea flour
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 square pan and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk, chickpea flour, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Place the cubed bread in the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the chopped pear and cranberries over the bread and pour the almond milk mixture over the top.
- Bake french toast for 20-25 minutes, until top is golden and crunchy. Serve with additional syrup and coconut whipped cream.
Sara @ Cake Over Steak says
I’m always down for a french toast casserole. The addition of cranberries to this sounds killer!
Heart of a Baker says
Brunch, always and forever!
Sarah | Well and Full says
Brunch is always a good idea 😉 This looks amazing, girl! <3
Heart of a Baker says
Thank you sweet friend! xo
whiskandshout says
I love baking with pears! This looks like such a delicious, easy, and no-fuss vegan brunch recipe 🙂
Heart of a Baker says
I really need to bake with them more!
Tessa | Salted Plains says
Yes, please to this! I have some chickpea flour on hand too. I love brunch around the holidays because it means mornings spent with family and friends. xoxo
Heart of a Baker says
Same here! I knew you would have some on hand 🙂 xoxo
Laura says
This looks amazing! Looking forward to trying it this weekend.
Heart of a Baker says
Hope you do, enjoy! 🙂
Traci says
What a great way to combine the flavors of the holidays, Abby! Brunch is the best because it means a slooow morning. I love how you’ve used chickpea flour here… delicious work my dear!
Heart of a Baker says
Thank you sweet Traci! It’s so good and I love the pears in there 🙂
Elizabeth says
This recipe is such a knockout. My family always has a special french toast-type breakfast on Christmas morning and this is seriously inspiring!
Heart of a Baker says
Ah thank you Elizabeth! It’s one of my favorites and I can’t wait to make it for Christmas!
puja says
I love french toast. I really liked the addition of cranberries to it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂