Vegan French Toast

There’s something undeniably magical about a leisurely weekend breakfast. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling the kitchen, the satisfying sizzle of bread hitting a hot skillet, and that first glorious bite of warm, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside French toast. It’s pure comfort food.

But what if you’re vegan, or cooking for someone who is, or simply out of eggs? Does that mean you have to say goodbye to this beloved breakfast classic? Not a chance! I’m here to tell you that making phenomenal vegan French toast is not only possible, it’s incredibly simple.

In fact, after testing this recipe, my family and I were genuinely shocked by how good it was. We devoured the entire first batch in under five minutes flat. This vegan French toast has a beautiful, crisp, golden crust and a creamy, custard like center that is absolutely perfect. It’s the ultimate weekend breakfast that just happens to be completely plant based.

Why This Vegan French Toast Recipe is a Game Changer

Making French toast without eggs might sound tricky, but the secret ingredient is probably sitting in your pantry right now: cornstarch. It works like a charm to create that signature crisp exterior we all crave, ensuring your French toast is golden and crunchy, never soggy.

This isn’t just a “good for vegan” recipe; it’s a fantastic French toast recipe, period. The batter, made with simple plant based ingredients, perfectly mimics the texture and flavor of the traditional version.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Perfect Texture: Crispy and golden on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside.
  • Incredibly Easy: The batter comes together in one bowl in minutes.
  • Simple Pantry Ingredients: No weird or hard to find ingredients here! Everything is likely in your kitchen already.
  • Egg & Dairy Free: A delicious breakfast everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s everything you need to make the best vegan French toast:
  • 1 cup unsweetened soy milk (or any other non dairy milk like almond, oat, or cashew)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch – This is the secret star of the show!
  • 1 teaspoon ground flaxseeds – Helps to thicken the batter and bind everything together.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Trust me on this! It adds a little lift and airiness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For that classic, cozy flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup – Adds a touch of natural sweetness to the batter.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For warm, aromatic depth.
  • 6-8 slices thick-sliced quality bread – Such as ciabatta, French bread, or sourdough. Day old bread is ideal!
  • 2-3 tablespoons vegan butter or coconut oil – For frying to golden perfection.
  • For serving: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit.

A Quick Note on the Bread

The bread you choose is crucial for the perfect texture. Skip the soft, squishy sandwich bread; it’ll likely become a soggy mess. Instead, reach for a hearty, thick sliced loaf with a bit of a crust, like ciabatta, French bread, or sourdough. Using bread that is a day or two old is a total pro tip, as it’s a bit drier and will soak up the batter beautifully without falling apart.

How to Make Perfect Vegan French Toast

Get ready for the easiest, most satisfying breakfast you’ll make all week. Follow these simple steps:

1Whisk the Batter: In a shallow bowl that’s wide enough to fit a slice of bread, whisk together the soy milk, cornstarch, ground flaxseeds, baking powder, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.

2Heat Your Pan: Place a large non stick skillet or griddle over medium high heat and melt a little vegan butter or coconut oil.

3Whisk Again: Cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom of the bowl, so give the batter a good whisk right before you start dipping your bread.

4Dip and Soak: Dip each slice of bread into the batter, letting it soak for about 10 seconds on each side. You want it well coated but not completely waterlogged.

5Fry to Golden Brown: Place the soaked bread in the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until beautifully golden brown and crispy.

6Repeat: Continue with the remaining slices, adding more vegan butter or oil to the pan as needed between batches.

7Serve Immediately: This French toast is best enjoyed fresh and hot off the skillet. Serve with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a handful of fresh berries.

Pro Tips for Vegan French Toast Success

  • Don’t Over Soak: A 10 second dunk on each side is perfect. Over soaking can lead to a soggy interior.
  • Use Day Old Bread: As mentioned, slightly stale bread is your best friend here. It holds its structure better and creates a better texture.
  • Keep it Warm: If you’re cooking multiple batches, place the finished French toast on a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F) to keep it crisp while you finish the rest.
  • Adjust the Heat: If your French toast is browning too quickly on the outside before the inside is cooked, lower the heat to medium.

This Vegan French Toast recipe is a total winner. It’s quick, delicious, and proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create a truly memorable breakfast. It’s become a staple in our kitchen, and I know it will be in yours too! Enjoy!

Vegan French Toast

The Best Vegan French Toast

The BEST Vegan French Toast! So easy to make in just 10 minutes using everyday ingredients. You won't miss the eggs at all in this delicious weekend morning breakfast. A secret ingredient makes this French toast incredibly crisp, thick, and perfect!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsweetened soy milk or other 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 thick sliced quality bread such as ciabatta, French bread, or sourdough
  • 2-3 tablespoons vegan butter or coconut oil for frying
  • For serving: maple syrup powdered sugar, or fresh fruit

Instructions
 

  • In a shallow bowl wide enough to hold a piece of bread, whisk together the soy milk, cornstarch, ground flaxseeds, baking powder, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla.
  • Add a little vegan butter or coconut oil to a large skillet over medium high heat and melt.
  • Whisk the batter again right before dipping the bread, as the cornstarch will settle to the bottom of the bowl.
  • Dip each side of the bread in the batter and let soak for about 10 seconds per side.
  • Add the bread to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Add more vegan butter/oil to the pan as needed between batches.
  • Serve immediately with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit, if desired.

Notes

  • Milk: May use any kind of non dairy milk, such as soy, coconut, almond, cashew, or oat milk.
  • Gluten Free: For gluten free vegan French toast, simply use your favorite gluten free bread.
  • Storage: This recipe does not freeze well and is best served fresh.