If you thought going vegan meant saying goodbye to the comforting, decadent breakfast classic that is French toast, think again! This vegan French toast recipe is here to show you how plant-based ingredients can deliver the same crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture with a rich, spiced flavor that makes every bite irresistible. Best of all, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Here’s how to whip up a healthy vegan French toast topped with pure maple syrup and fresh berries for a breakfast worth savoring. Enjoy this brunch favorite with a side of tempeh bacon and an orange juice mocktail.
Why Vegan French Toast?
Traditional French toast relies on eggs and dairy for its custard base, but this recipe achieves the same creamy consistency using plant-based alternatives like almond milk and ground flaxseeds. This version is lighter on your stomach—perfect for starting your day off on the right foot.
Ingredients for Vegan French Toast
- Sourdough or whole grain bread (day-old or slightly stale bread works best for soaking up the batter)
- Plain unsweetened almond or soy milk
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Ground flaxseeds
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla powder (or vanilla extract)
- Olive oil
- Pure maple syrup
- Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, cornstarch, ground flaxseeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk vigorously to ensure the cornstarch and flaxseeds are fully incorporated, and no lumps remain. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes—this allows the flaxseeds to thicken the batter slightly.
2. Preheat the Griddle
Preheat your griddle or a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with olive oil. You want just enough oil to create a golden crust on the French toast without making it greasy.
3. Dip the Bread
Take one slice of sourdough bread and dip it into the batter, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing the bread on the preheated griddle. Repeat with additional slices, being careful not to overcrowd the cooking surface.
4. Cook to Golden Perfection
Cook the bread for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip the slices halfway through cooking.
5. Keep Warm (Optional)
If you’re cooking in batches, transfer the cooked French toast to a baking sheet and keep it warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you finish the rest.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Plate the French toast and top with a handful of fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor. Drizzle with pure maple syrup and enjoy!
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Tips for the Best Vegan French Toast
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the batter without falling apart. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by toasting it lightly or leaving it uncovered overnight.
- Choose the Right Bread: Sourdough is a great choice for this vegan French toast because of its firm texture and tangy flavor. A thick whole-grain loaf also works well.
- Don't Skip the Cornstarch: The cornstarch acts as a thickener in this recipe, giving the batter the right consistency to cling to the bread. If you don't have cornstarch, arrowroot powder works well too.
- Experiment with Toppings: While pure maple syrup and berries are a classic choice, feel free to get creative. Try sliced bananas, a drizzle of almond butter, or sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans.
Health Benefits of This Vegan French Toast
This recipe isn’t just delicious, it's also healthy, and here's why:
- Ground flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, supporting heart health and digestion.
- Sourdough bread often contains probiotics from the fermentation process, which may aid gut health.
- Fresh berries are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- No dairy and eggs lower the dietary cholesterol and saturated fat in this recipe, making it a healthier alternative to the traditional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk can all be used in place of almond milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and plain to maintain the right balance of flavors.
Arrowroot powder or tapioca flour can replace cornstarch in this recipe. You may need to adjust the amount slightly, as these substitutes can vary in thickening power.
Yes! Swap the sourdough bread for a gluten-free bread that has a sturdy texture. Ensure that the bread is slightly stale for the best results.
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or toaster oven to restore its crispy texture.
This vegan French toast recipe proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create a breakfast masterpiece. It’s crispy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, making it a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend brunch or a cozy weekday morning, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations by tagging us on social media @danielsplaterecipes. We’d love to see how you make this recipe your own!
Vegan French Toast
Ingredients
- 6 slices of sourdough or whole grain bread day old or stale is best
- 1 cup plain unsweetened almond milk
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla powder or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil or omit if oil-free
- 1 cup fresh berries blueberries, raspberries, strawberries for topping
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Batter
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, cornstarch, ground flaxseeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk vigorously to ensure the cornstarch and flaxseeds are fully incorporated, and no lumps remain.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes—this allows the flaxseeds to thicken the batter slightly.
Preheat the Griddle
- Preheat your griddle or a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with olive oil. You want just enough oil to create a golden crust on the French toast without making it greasy.
Dip the Bread
- Take one slice of sourdough bread and dip it into the batter, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing the bread on the preheated griddle.
- Repeat with additional slices, being careful not to overcrowd the cooking surface.
Cook to Golden Perfection
- Cook the bread for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip the slices halfway through cooking.
Keep Warm (Optional)
- If you’re cooking in batches, transfer the cooked French toast to a baking sheet and keep it warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you finish the rest.
Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the French toast and drizzle with pure maple syrup. Top with a handful of fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated by toasting them in the toaster or toaster oven.
Notes
EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES
- Griddle or large non stick skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Gigi & Sersie
Tasty and love the texture of whole grain bread. Adding the fresh berries gives the perfect balance of sweet, tart and bright.