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Baked French Toast Casserole with Cherries, Dark Chocolate, and Almonds Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

This Baked French Toast Casserole with Cherries is a delicious, dairy-free breakfast treat combining tangy fresh cherries, rich dark chocolate chips, and crunchy slivered almonds layered between cubes of sourdough bread. Soaked overnight in a flavorful almond and coconut sugar custard, this casserole is baked until perfectly browned and crispy on top, making it a crowd-pleasing brunch dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.

Ingredients

Bread and Fruit

  • 1 loaf sourdough bread (day old, cut into 1-inch cubes, about 12 cups)
  • 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted and halved)

Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup raw slivered almonds

Custard Mixture

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cashew milk
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Layer Bread Base: Cut the sourdough bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Place half of these bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Add First Layer of Fillings: Evenly scatter half of the pitted and halved cherries, dark chocolate chips, and slivered almonds over the bread cubes.
  4. Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened cashew milk, 1/4 cup of coconut sugar, and almond extract until fully combined.
  5. Pour Custard Over First Layer: Pour half of the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered bread and toppings, ensuring all bread pieces are saturated.
  6. Add Second Bread and Fillings Layer: Place the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the rest of the cherries, almonds, and chocolate chips.
  7. Pour Remaining Custard: Pour the remaining custard mixture over the top layer, making sure to cover all the bread cubes thoroughly.
  8. Top with Sugar: Sprinkle the final 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar over the entire dish to create a sweet, crispy topping after baking.
  9. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 to 6 hours to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
  10. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 50 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the custard is set in the center.

Notes

  • Using day-old bread helps to absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
  • Ensure cherries are pitted before halving to avoid any discomfort while eating.
  • If desired, you can substitute cashew milk with any other unsweetened dairy-free milk.
  • Preparing the casserole the night before saves time on busy mornings and enhances flavor development.
  • Make sure to cover the casserole when refrigerating to prevent it from drying out.
  • This recipe is dairy-free and can easily be made vegan by substituting eggs with a suitable egg replacer.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/baked-french-toast-casserole-with-cherries-dark-chocolate-and-almonds-recipe/