Gluten Free Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

I’ll admit, I’m not usually one for sweets. But every now and then, especially during the holidays, I enjoy indulging in a treat that feels both nostalgic and festive. Knowing that so many of us adore sweet breakfasts as part of our Christmas morning traditions, I wanted to share a recipe that perfectly blends indulgence with wholesome goodness: an Apple Pie French Toast Casserole. This isn’t your ordinary sugar-laden, carb-heavy dish. Instead, it’s a healthier twist on a classic, perfect for a bright Christmas morning.

Traditional French toast casseroles—among other Christmas morning breakfast casseroles—can send your blood sugar soaring, largely thanks to the gluten-heavy white bread, refined sugars, and other nutrient-lacking ingredients. But our version eliminates many of those concerns while keeping all the cozy, comforting flavors intact. And for those of you who are mindful about refined carbs—one of the biggest contributors to blood sugar spikes—rest assured: this casserole is made with our grain-free bread and helps keep those spikes at bay. Not only that, you are adding protein and fiber to your meal, which will help you with lasting energy and healthy digestion. By using Plantiful Kitchen’s vegan, gluten-free bread, we’ve created a base that’s not only delicious but also gut-friendly.

We’ve also swapped out other processed ingredients for healthy alternatives, like coconut sugar for natural sweetness, coconut oil and vegan butter for rich texture, almond flour for a nutty crumble topping, and a creamy milk alternative to tie it all together.

Christmas morning is a magical time, and you don’t want it spoiled with a carb-heavy dish that affects your gut for the rest of the day. Instead, you want a meal that will bring everyone together, starting the day on a flavorful and nourishing note. Something warm, sweet, and perfect for a Christmas morning breakfast. So let this recipe bring a sense of comfort and tradition to your Christmas morning. It’s a sweet treat you can feel good about sharing with loved ones, and it just might become a new holiday favorite!

Ingredients:

Casserole:

• 1 Loaf Plantiful Kitchen Cinnamon Walnut Bread, cut into chunks
• 1 Tsp Cinnamon
• ½ Tsp Nutmeg
• ⅓ Cup Coconut Sugar, divided
• 2 Tbsp Clean Butter (I like Monty's Butter)
• 3 Cups (or 2 Large) Apples, chopped
• 3 Large Eggs
• 2 Tbsp Water
• 2 Tsp Vanilla
• 1 ¼ Cups Milk Alternative (almond, oat, etc.)

Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup + 2 Tbsp Almond Flour
• 2 Tbsp Clean Butter, softened
• 2 Tbsp Coconut Sugar
• 1 Tsp Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet and add the apple slices. Cook on medium-low heat and stir occasionally for five minutes.
2. Out of the 1/3 cup coconut sugar add 2 tbsp , water, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the skillet and cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are tender.
3. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish or some ramekins for individual servings.
4. Combine the bread chunks and cooked apples and layer evenly in the casserole dish or ramekins.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the rest of the coconut sugar, eggs, vanilla, and the milk alternative. Once combined, pour in an even layer over your bread mixture.
6. Cover the casserole or ramekins and place in the fridge for an hour. You can also let it sit overnight.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F.
8. Make the crumble topping: in a bowl, combine the almond flour, softened butter, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the casserole.
9. Bake for ramekins for 35 mins and casserole for 45-55 minutes, until the topping is golden and the dish is heated through.