Vegan French Toast

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

1. Sourdough or whole grain bread (day-old or slightly stale bread works best for soaking up the batter)
2. Plain unsweetened almond or soy milk
3. Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
4. Ground flaxseeds
5. Cinnamon
6. Nutmeg
7. Vanilla powder (or vanilla extract)
8. Olive oil
9. Pure maple syrup
10. 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!

Tips for the Best Vegan French Toast

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

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!