Vegan French Toast Recipe
Equipment
- Shallow dish for soaking
- Whisk
- Large skillet or griddle
Ingredients
- 1 cup plant-based milk almond, soy, oat, etc.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flaxseed meal or chickpea flour
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup mashed banana or silken tofu for extra richness
- 6 slices sturdy bread challah, brioche, or French bread
- Vegan butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, whisk together all batter ingredients until smooth.
- Dip each bread slice into the batter, making sure both sides are coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegan butter or oil.
- Cook the soaked bread slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old or slightly stale bread.
- Adjust the amount of thickener if needed to achieve desired batter consistency.
- Experiment with different plant-based milks and toppings to find your favorite combinations.
I have to admit, French toast has always been one of my favorite breakfast treats. Growing up, it was the go-to meal my family would whip up on lazy weekend mornings. I remember waking up to the smell of sizzling butter and cinnamon wafting through the house, knowing it was going to be a good day. Back then, we weren’t a big cooking family—Pop-Tarts and canned ravioli were more our speed—but French toast was the exception.
Now that I’m living a plant-based life, I wondered if I’d ever find a vegan version that could live up to the nostalgic, golden-brown, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside French toast from my childhood. I’ll be honest, I had my doubts. French toast without eggs? It just didn’t seem possible.
Well, let me tell you, I was completely wrong. After trying this vegan version, I was floored. The first batch disappeared in minutes—crispy edges, creamy centers, and just the right hint of cinnamon and vanilla. Seriously, this recipe nailed it.
The Secret Ingredient to Perfect Vegan French Toast
The magic of this recipe comes from a pantry staple that you probably already have on hand—cornstarch. It’s the secret to achieving that crispy, golden exterior without eggs. Combined with a few other simple ingredients, it creates a batter that coats the bread perfectly, turning it into the French toast of your dreams.
Without eggs, the batter for vegan French toast is made with a blend of soy milk (or any non-dairy milk), cornstarch, a bit of ground flaxseed to thicken things up, and just a touch of baking powder to give it that extra fluffiness. Add in some cinnamon and vanilla for flavor, and you’ve got yourself the perfect mix.
How to Make Vegan French Toast
Trust me, this is even easier than the traditional version. Here’s how I do it:
- Start by whisking together the batter ingredients—your non-dairy milk, cornstarch, flaxseed, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and a little maple syrup—in a shallow bowl.
Heat a little vegan butter or oil in a frying pan. Before you dip the bread, whisk the batter one more time (the cornstarch can settle at the bottom).
Dip your bread in the batter for about 10 seconds on each side, making sure it soaks up all that flavor.
Place the bread in the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Repeat with the rest of your bread and batter.
What Kind of Bread Works Best?
This is where things get interesting. I used a slightly stale loaf of ciabatta for my French toast, and it worked beautifully. The trick is using bread that’s a bit dry, so it soaks up the batter without becoming soggy. You can also use sourdough, French bread, or even a day-old baguette. The thicker and drier the bread, the better.
My advice? Stay away from the soft sandwich bread—it’s just too flimsy for this recipe and will likely turn out soggy. Go for something with a bit more substance!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re anything like me, French toast is one of those comforting, feel-good breakfasts that just starts the day off right. This vegan version hits all the right notes: it’s crisp on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s quick and easy enough for even the sleepiest of weekend mornings.
Just top it off with a drizzle of maple syrup, maybe some powdered sugar or fresh fruit, and you’re all set. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or just treating yourself, this French toast is bound to become a new breakfast favorite. I know it has in my house!
Common Questions About Vegan French Toast
Can I add extra flavors?
Yes! Feel free to sprinkle some nutmeg or even almond extract into the batter if you want to experiment with flavors. I sometimes toss in a bit of orange zest for a bright, fresh twist.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. If you have any French toast left (which, honestly, is rare in my house), just freeze the slices in a single layer in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the toaster or oven to reheat.
How do I keep my toast from getting soggy?
It’s all about the bread. Stick to thicker slices of dry, sturdy bread like ciabatta or sourdough. And don’t let it soak too long in the batter—just enough to coat each side.
Top Tips for the Best Vegan French Toast
- Use good bread: This can make or break your French toast. Choose bread that’s thick and slightly stale for the best results.
- Don’t over-soak the bread: About 10 seconds on each side is perfect.
- Cook on medium heat: This allows the inside to get creamy while the outside gets crispy.
- Mix your batter before each dip: Cornstarch settles, so give it a whisk before each new piece of bread.
There you have it—an easy, nostalgic breakfast with a vegan twist that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re a long-time French toast fan or just discovering this classic breakfast, I promise you won’t miss the eggs!
Hello, I’m Elaria Jackson, the author behind Vegan Castle. I have a background in Nutrition Science and Culinary Arts. I’ve studied the benefits of a plant-based diet and its impact on health and the environment. I’ve attended various vegan cooking courses and workshops. Through Vegan Castle, I share easy weeknight meals and decadent desserts. I aim to be a valuable companion on your vegan journey.
Oh my goodness, this is the BEST vegan French toast I’ve ever made! My whole family loved it, even the non-vegans. Thank you for this amazing recipe!
So happy to hear it was a hit, Ashley! That’s the best compliment ever. 😊
This recipe is a game-changer! I used to love French toast before going vegan, and this is just as good, if not better. I added a dash of cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor.
That’s awesome, Michael! Love the cinnamon twist!