You know when you want a "fancy" breakfast, but don't want to slave away in the kitchen? This Collagen French Toast Bake is the ticket! All that cinnamon maple goodness... with no fuss or standing over a pan. This yummy breakfast casserole is gluten free and dairy free with added protein from the collagen. I topped mine with blueberries, powdered sweetener, and sugar free pancake syrup!
Did you know? Collagen is a key component of not only our skin, but also our bones and joints (connective tissue). Type I collagen is the most prevalent in our bodies, and marine collagen is particularly high in type I. (source)
Collagen recommendations
For this recipe, I used LIV Body Flavorless Marine Collagen. I love how easily it mixes into recipes and you can barely taste it! More than that, I love the benefits for healthy skin, hair, and nails as well as my joints and gut. You can use my code "SARAHWILKINS" for free shipping on all LIV Body orders.
If you'd rather not add collagen, don't worry, the recipe works just fine without it!
Best gluten free breads
I made this gluten free using Schar gluten free artisan white bread. Gluten free breads can be hit or miss, but I love how this one has a thick slice that holds together and has a hint of sourdough flavor. Canyon Bakehouse is another brand I like!
Sweetener recommendations
Most recipes for french toast bakes recommend brown sugar so I used a sugar free brown sugar alternative. Besti is my current favorite, but also like Swerve Brown, Truvia Sweet Complete Brown, and Lakanto Golden Monkfruit. Really any sweetener will work that measures like sugar, but I did find the brown sugar added a nice hint of maple!
Other ingredients
The only other ingredients you'll need are unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice), eggs, pure vanilla extract, and cinnamon. If you can't have eggs, you can try a vegan egg substitute or Egg Beaters for lower cholesterol (or even egg whites).
Here is the printable recipe for this Collagen French Toast Bake! I hope your family enjoys it as much as ours did ;)
This post contains affiliate links and is sponsored by LIV Body.
You know when you want a "fancy" breakfast, but don't want to slave away in the kitchen? This Collagen French Toast Bake is the ticket! All that cinnamon maple goodness... with no fuss or standing over a pan. This yummy breakfast casserole is gluten free and dairy free with added protein from the collagen. I topped mine with blueberries, powdered sweetener, and sugar free pancake syrup!
Ingredients
2 tbsp. vegan butter (or unsalted butter)
1 loaf (14 oz.) gluten free bread (I used Schar artisan white)
6 large whole eggs (or 1 1/2 cup Egg Beaters)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
6 scoops (48g) flavorless collagen protein (I used LIV Body Marine Collagen, code SARAHWILKINS for free shipping)
1/4 cup sugar free brown sugar alternative (I used Besti brand)
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
*See blog post above for notes and substitutions.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Quarter slices of bread and let dry out for a bit. You can leave them on the counter for a couple hours, or skip it, but this step makes for a less soggy French toast bake.
Grease a 9”x13” casserole dish with vegan or dairy butter, then sprinkle bread cubes over top.
Combine eggs, warm milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl.
Once combined, whisk in collagen protein powder until no clumps remain (optional).
Pour egg mixture over bread cubes and press down lightly to help them soak up the mixture. You can also toss them in the egg mixture with your hands a little.
Bake casserole in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until egg mixture is set and bread is golden brown on the edges.
Top with powdered sweetener, blueberries, and sugar free pancake syrup (or toppings of choice)! Enjoy.
Leftovers will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to one month.
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