There’s nothing better than a plate of warm, crispy, and fluffy French toast to start your day especially when it’s 100% vegan! This Vegan French Toast delivers the perfect balance of crunch on the outside and softness on the inside, with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla in every bite. No eggs? No problem! A secret ingredient cornstarch helps create that iconic crispy texture we all love.
Whether you’re making breakfast for the family, hosting a weekend brunch, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a must try. Pair it with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup for the ultimate morning indulgence. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious who says plant based can’t be just as satisfying?
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened soy milk (or any non dairy milk)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseeds
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6-8 slices of thick, high quality bread (such as ciabatta or French bread)
- 2-3 tablespoons vegan butter or coconut oil for frying
- For serving: maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit
Directions:
- In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the soy milk, cornstarch, ground flaxseeds, baking powder, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
- Heat a pan over medium high heat and add a small amount of vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Before dipping, whisk the batter again as the cornstarch may settle at the bottom.
- Dip each slice of bread in the batter for about 10 seconds on each side, ensuring an even coating.
- Place the soaked bread onto the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining bread, adding more butter or oil as needed.
- Serve immediately with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 404 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Vegan French Toast: Crispy, Fluffy, and Irresistible
French toast is a breakfast classic, loved for its crispy exterior, fluffy center, and rich, comforting flavor. Traditionally made with eggs and dairy, it might seem impossible to recreate this indulgent dish without animal products. However, with a few clever ingredient swaps and techniques, vegan French toast not only rivals the original it might even be better!
This guide will explore everything you need to know about vegan French toast, including its history, the best bread choices, essential ingredients, variations, serving suggestions, and expert tips to ensure you achieve the perfect texture every time.
The History of French Toast
French toast, or “pain perdu” (meaning “lost bread”) in French, dates back centuries. The dish originated as a way to repurpose stale bread by soaking it in a mixture of eggs and milk before frying. Variations of this dish exist worldwide, from the Spanish torrijas to the British eggy bread and the Indian bombay toast.
While traditional French toast relies on eggs for structure, modern culinary innovations have made it possible to achieve the same crispy, custardy goodness without animal products. Thanks to plant based ingredients like cornstarch and flaxseeds, vegan French toast captures all the textures and flavors of the classic dish while remaining entirely egg free and dairy free.
What Makes Vegan French Toast So Good?
The key to incredible French toast is the balance of a crispy outer layer and a soft, custard like interior. Eggs typically help achieve this texture, but in a vegan recipe, a few substitutes work just as well.
- Cornstarch is the secret weapon in this recipe. It helps create a crispy coating, ensuring the bread doesn’t become soggy.
- Ground flaxseeds act as a binding agent, adding slight thickness to the batter.
- Non-dairy milk replaces regular milk, providing creaminess and flavor.
- Baking powder gives the toast a light, fluffy texture.
- Maple syrup and vanilla add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon enhances the warm, cozy taste we all love in French toast.
With the right combination of these ingredients, you get French toast that is crispy, golden brown, and full of flavor without the need for eggs or dairy.
Choosing the Best Bread for Vegan French Toast
Bread selection is crucial for making the best French toast. The wrong choice can result in either a mushy or dry texture. Here’s what to look for:
Best Bread Options
- Ciabatta: Its sturdy, airy structure soaks up the batter without falling apart.
- French bread: Slightly dry and crusty, making it a great choice for soaking up the batter while maintaining structure.
- Sourdough: Its tangy flavor pairs well with the sweet elements in French toast.
- Challah (vegan version): Naturally rich and slightly sweet, perfect for indulgent French toast.
Breads to Avoid
- Soft sandwich bread: Too thin and delicate, making it prone to becoming soggy.
- Freshly baked bread: It hasn’t dried out enough to absorb the batter properly.
- Whole grain bread: While healthy, it often lacks the structure needed for a crispy French toast.
For the best results, use slightly stale bread that has been left out for a day or two. If using fresh bread, lightly toast it before soaking to help it absorb the batter without becoming mushy.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about vegan French toast is its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch up the recipe and keep things exciting:
1. Gluten-Free Vegan French Toast
To make this recipe gluten free, simply use your favorite gluten free bread. Opt for a thick cut variety that holds up well when soaked in the batter.
2. High-Protein Vegan French Toast
Boost the protein content by using soy milk (which has more protein than other plant based milks) and adding a scoop of plant based protein powder to the batter.
3. Banana French Toast
Replace the flaxseeds with mashed banana for a naturally sweet and creamy alternative. The banana adds extra moisture and a hint of fruitiness to the dish.
4. Chocolate Lover’s French Toast
For a dessert inspired version, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter and top with melted dark chocolate and strawberries.
5. Pumpkin Spice French Toast
Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter and top with pumpkin puree and pecans for a fall inspired treat.
Serving Suggestions
French toast is best served hot off the pan, with a variety of toppings to enhance its flavor. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
Classic Toppings
- Maple syrup: A timeless pairing that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Lightly dusted on top for a touch of elegance.
- Fresh fruit: Berries, banana slices, or apple compote add a refreshing contrast.
Nutty & Crunchy Additions
- Chopped nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra texture.
- Nut butter: Drizzle with almond or peanut butter for a creamy, protein rich topping.
- Granola: A sprinkle of granola adds crunch and flavor.
Decadent Options
- Vegan whipped cream: A dollop on top makes it extra indulgent.
- Dark chocolate shavings: For a rich, dessert like twist.
- Caramelized bananas: Cook banana slices in a little maple syrup for a warm, caramelized topping.
Expert Tips for Perfect Vegan French Toast
To ensure you achieve the best results, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use a non-stick or cast-iron pan: This prevents sticking and helps achieve an even, crispy texture.
- Whisk the batter before dipping: Cornstarch settles quickly, so re whisk before dipping each slice of bread.
- Soak the bread just enough: About 10 seconds per side is perfect too long, and it may become soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches to allow for even browning.
- Use medium-high heat: This ensures the exterior crisps up without burning.
- Serve immediately: Vegan French toast is best enjoyed fresh off the stove.
Conclusion:
Vegan French toast proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to enjoy this classic breakfast treat. By using simple plant based ingredients like cornstarch, flaxseeds, and non dairy milk, you can achieve the same crispy, custardy goodness with even more flavor.
Whether you prefer a traditional version with maple syrup or a decadent chocolate covered variation, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Plus, with the right bread and cooking techniques, you can ensure every bite is golden, crispy, and delicious.
So, the next time you’re craving a comforting breakfast, whip up a batch of this easy vegan French toast. It’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress whether you’re vegan or not!