Name: Vegan French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: ¼ cup cornstarch; 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon baking powder; Sea salt, a tiny pinch; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1 tablespoon maple syrup, plus more for serving; Coconut oil, for the pan; 4 to 6 thick slices bread, slightly stale

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 39 reviews

If you have been dreaming of a cozy weekend breakfast that’s both indulgent and kind to animals, this Vegan French Toast Recipe is the answer you’ve been searching for. Imagine slices of bread dipped in a luscious, cinnamon-spiced batter, frying up crisp on the outside while staying fluffy and tender inside. This delightful recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a dish that feels comforting and satisfying without any dairy or eggs, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a classic breakfast with a compassionate twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Five slices of light brown bread with soft cream-colored texture and small air holes are layered slightly overlapping on a wooden board in a diagonal line. To the right of the bread, a white bowl with a blue rim holds a heap of yellow powder. Around the board, on a white marbled surface, are small measuring spoons made of wood, a clear glass pitcher of foamy white liquid, a brown wooden-handled serrated knife, a small pile of white powder in a metal sifter, a jar of amber liquid, an open metal container with white powder, and a small jar with brown powder. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this Vegan French Toast Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each element plays its role in building that perfect blend of flavor, texture, and color that turns simple bread into a breakfast treat.

Cornstarch: Acts as the binding agent to replicate the egg’s magic for that perfect texture.
Nutritional yeast: Adds a subtle savory note and depth, elevating the flavor of the batter.
Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic sweetness essential to classic French toast.
Baking powder: Introduces a light lift, keeping the batter fluffy instead of dense.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsweetened almond milk: The plant-based base that keeps things creamy and smooth without dairy.
Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the batter and again for serving adds that perfect syrupy finish.
Coconut oil: Ideal for frying as it adds a subtle tropical aroma and ensures a crisp golden crust.
Bread (slightly stale, thick slices): Preferably a sturdy bread like sourdough or brioche to hold the batter without getting soggy.

How to Make Vegan French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by whisking together the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a medium bowl. This dry mixture forms the backbone of your batter, giving it the right flavor and texture. Then, pour in the almond milk and maple syrup and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This batter is the secret to turning ordinary bread into luscious, golden French toast.

Step 2: Heat the Pan and Add Oil

Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush liberally with coconut oil. The coconut oil not only prevents sticking but also promotes a crisp, golden crust with a hint of fragrant coconut that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Step 3: Dip the Bread

Working with one slice at a time, dip the bread into the batter, allowing it to soak up just enough without becoming overly soggy. Flip to coat both sides thoroughly so every bite has that luscious, spiced flavor.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Place the coated bread onto your hot skillet and cook for about 2 minutes per side, watching closely for that gorgeous golden brown color to develop. If the toast is browning too fast, simply reduce the heat to low to ensure it cooks all the way through without burning. Repeat for all slices, adding more coconut oil to the pan as needed for a consistent crust.

How to Serve Vegan French Toast Recipe

A close-up of a woman's hand dipping a thick slice of soft, light brown bread with a slightly golden crust into a bowl of foamy, light tan batter. The bowl is round, medium-sized, and light beige inside, sitting on a white marbled surface. Next to the bowl are more slices of the same bread on a wooden cutting board, with a clear glass cup and a small bowl of coarse salt nearby. Part of a blue and white striped cloth is visible to the left, and the handle of a pan with a blue end and wooden grip is seen above the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Vegan French Toast Recipe, consider garnishing with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. These add bursts of texture and flavor, turning the plate into an inviting feast for both eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

Keep things balanced by pairing your French toast with crisp vegan bacon or a fresh fruit salad for refreshing contrast. A dollop of coconut yogurt or a smear of almond butter can also add creaminess and richness alongside the toast.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your brunch guests by stacking slices with layers of fruit and drizzled maple syrup cascading down, or cut the toast into sticks for a fun, shareable platter. Even topping with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a brunch-meets-dessert vibe is a delightful way to serve this recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The toast holds its flavor well and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Freezing

To keep your Vegan French Toast Recipe ready for busy mornings, freeze cooked slices individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully and can be kept up to one month without losing their texture.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated slices in a toaster or oven for best results, which helps restore the crispy exterior while warming the inside through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other plant-based milks in this Vegan French Toast Recipe?

Absolutely! Oat, soy, or cashew milk all work wonderfully and can subtly shift the flavor depending on your preference. Just choose unsweetened versions to keep control over sweetness.

What type of bread is best for vegan French toast?

Look for thick slices of hearty, slightly stale bread like sourdough, whole grain, or vegan brioche. Slightly stale bread absorbs the batter better without turning mushy.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?

While nutritional yeast adds a unique depth and a mild savory note that mimics richness, you can omit it if unavailable, but the flavor might be slightly less complex.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free bread and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The recipe itself is naturally free from gluten otherwise.

How do I prevent the toast from getting soggy?

Dip the bread quickly into the batter without letting it soak too long, and cook on a well-oiled, hot skillet. Also, slightly stale bread helps maintain firmness during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan French Toast Recipe captures the joy of a comforting breakfast in a compassionate, delicious package. It’s simple enough for a quick morning yet special enough to share with loved ones on lazy weekends. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite brunch classic.

Vegan French Toast Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need