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This keto French toast casserole is a perfect weekend brunch treat that feels indulgent without the carb load. It combines a tender baked almond flour base with a rich creamy custard and a cinnamon-spiced crumb topping for a satisfying, low-carb comfort meal that anyone watching carbs will love.
I first made this casserole on a lazy Sunday and it became an instant favorite for its creamy texture and sweet cinnamon topping without breaking my diet.
Ingredients
- Softened butter: gives richness and moisture choose unsalted for best control over saltiness
- Almond flour: provides structure and nutty flavor opt for finely ground for a tender crumb
- Coconut flour: adds lightness and slight sweetness make sure to measure carefully as it absorbs moisture differently from other flours
- Eggs: bind the casserole and add protein use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing
- Coconut milk: keeps it dairy-free friendly and creamy pick unsweetened for less sugar
- Baking powder: helps the base rise and get fluffy pick fresh for best lift
- Cream cheese: lends a silky richness and tang select full fat and softened for easy blending
- Powdered sweetener: balances flavors without sugar choose one that measures like sugar for best texture
- Vanilla: adds warm fragrant notes use pure extract for best flavor
- Brown sugar sweetener: used in the topping mimics caramel notes choose a low carb option you enjoy
- Heavy cream: enriches the crumb topping for a decadent finish use fresh and cold
- Cinnamon: brings warm spice to the topping opt for fresh ground to maximize aroma
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is fully heated before baking which helps the casserole cook evenly.
- Prepare Bread Base:
- In a mixing bowl combine three tablespoons of softened butter with three tablespoons almond flour and three tablespoons coconut flour. Add two teaspoons baking powder and mix well. Press this mixture evenly into an 8 by 8 inch baking dish then bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into cubes. You can make this base a day in advance and keep it covered.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl beat eight ounces of softened cream cheese with two tablespoons powdered sweetener and one teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This adds creaminess and sweetness that contrasts the nutty base.
- Prepare Custard:
- Blend six eggs with one and one quarter cups coconut milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The custard soaks into the bread cubes creating that classic French toast texture.
- Make Crumb Topping:
- Cut five tablespoons cold butter into one cup almond flour, half a cup brown sugar sweetener, and one teaspoon cinnamon using your fingers or a pastry cutter. The goal is to create small crumbs that will bake crisp and flavorful on top of the casserole.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Layer the bread cubes in the baking dish. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cubes then pour the custard on top making sure all pieces are soaked. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the surface. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes until the topping is golden and the custard is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
My favorite part of this recipe is the crumb topping which combines buttery richness with a warm cinnamon flavor that makes this feel like a special treat. It reminds me of cozy weekend mornings at my grandmother’s house when cinnamon scent filled the kitchen and everyone gathered around the table.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days to keep the custard fresh. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve the crumb topping’s texture.
Ingredient Swaps
You can substitute mascarpone for cream cheese for a slightly sweeter tang and silkier texture. Light coconut milk can be replaced with heavy cream or almond milk but results may vary in richness. Use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener if you prefer natural sweeteners just adjust sweetness to taste.
Serving Ideas
Serve this casserole with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup for extra decadence. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted pecans complement the nutty almond flour base nicely.
Seasonal Twists
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans in the crumb topping for fall warmth. Stir in some pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the custard during autumn for a festive spin. In winter try adding a dash of orange zest to the cream cheese layer for a bright citrus note.
This casserole is a delightful low-carb option that brings comfort and flavor to your brunch table. Enjoy it fresh to savor the contrast of creamy and crunchy textures.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What makes this dish low-carb friendly?
The use of almond and coconut flours instead of traditional wheat flour keeps the carbohydrate content low while maintaining structure and flavor.
- → How can I prepare the bread base in advance?
Simply bake the bread base one day prior, let it cool completely, then store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- → What is the role of cream cheese in this dish?
Cream cheese adds richness and smoothness to the custard layer, creating a creamy texture that complements the crumbly topping and almond flour base.
- → Can I substitute the sweeteners used here?
Yes, you can swap the powdered and brown sugar sweeteners for alternatives like erythritol or monk fruit, adjusting amounts to taste.
- → What tips ensure a crumbly topping?
Cutting cold butter into the flour, sweetener, and cinnamon mixture until pea-sized crumbs form creates the desired crumbly texture once baked.