Vegan French Toast Recipe
This vegan French toast recipe is perfectly golden, dairy-free, and ready in 15 minutes. Simple ingredients make gluten-free breakfast delicious for busy families.
You know what? Saturday mornings used to stress me out. My kids would be bouncing off the walls asking for something special, and I’d be standing in the kitchen wondering how to make breakfast feel like a celebration without spending hours or using ingredients we couldn’t eat.
Then I discovered this vegan French toast recipe, and honestly, it changed our weekend routine completely. No eggs, no dairy, just a simple mixture that turns regular bread into something golden and wonderful. It’s become our go-to for lazy Sunday mornings and those special occasions when we want breakfast to feel like a warm hug.
This French toast recipe vegan style proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something your whole family will love. Whether you’re plant-based by choice or necessity, this recipe delivers that classic cinnamon-sugar comfort we all crave.
And the best part? It comes together in about 15 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-dairy milk | 1 cup | Unsweetened almond, oat, or soy work beautifully |
| All-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend) | 2 tablespoons | Creates the perfect coating texture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure vanilla adds warm depth |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon | The signature French toast flavor |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Balances the sweetness |
| Bread slices | 6 slices | Choose sturdy gluten-free or regular bread |
Instructions
Step 1: Whisk together your non-dairy milk, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until the mixture is completely smooth with no flour lumps remaining. Pour this beautifully spiced batter into a shallow dish—I love using a wide bowl or pie dish because it makes dipping so much easier.
The flour helps create that custardy coating that makes vegan French toast ideas come to life without any eggs.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add about a tablespoon of vegan butter or neutral oil. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles gently on the surface. Keep extra butter nearby because you’ll want to add a little more between batches to keep everything golden and prevent sticking.
Step 3: Working with two bread slices at a time, dip each slice into your mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. If you’re using hearty gluten-free bread, let each side soak for about 5 seconds with a gentle shake to help the batter really penetrate—this is where the magic happens.
For softer sandwich bread, a quick dip on each side is plenty to avoid sogginess.
Step 4: Place your coated slices onto the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until each piece turns a gorgeous golden brown with slightly crispy edges. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla will fill your kitchen, and you’ll see little caramelized spots forming—that’s exactly what you want.
Repeat this process with your remaining slices, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
Step 5: Serve your vegan French toast warm, piled high on plates with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Man, oh man, there’s nothing quite like cutting into that first golden slice and watching the steam rise up!
Substitutions
Flour alternatives: If you’re keeping things gluten-free, any quality gluten-free all-purpose blend works perfectly in this vegan French toast recipe. You can also swap in chickpea flour for added protein, though it will give a slightly nuttier flavor that some folks absolutely love.
Milk options: Feel free to experiment with different non-dairy milks based on what you have available. Oat milk creates an incredibly creamy texture, while almond milk keeps things light and neutral. Coconut milk from a carton (not the canned stuff) adds a subtle tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
Bread choices: This recipe is super forgiving when it comes to bread selection. Day-old bread actually works better because it soaks up the mixture without falling apart—I’ve used everything from gluten-free sandwich bread to thick-sliced sourdough with fantastic results. Just avoid anything too soft or fresh unless you’re doing a very quick dip.
Spice variations: While cinnamon is classic, you can absolutely play around with warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a tiny pinch of pumpkin pie spice. Start small and taste your batter before dipping—you can always add more, but you can’t take it back!
Troubleshooting
Soggy French toast: This usually happens when the bread soaks too long or the pan isn’t hot enough. Make sure your pan is properly preheated to medium heat, and if you’re using soft bread, keep those dips quick and efficient. The flour in this vegan French toast recipe helps create structure, but delicate bread still needs a gentle touch.
Batter won’t stick: If your mixture seems to slide right off the bread, give it another good whisk to reincorporate the flour. Sometimes the flour settles to the bottom, especially if you’re working slowly through multiple batches. A quick stir every few slices keeps everything evenly distributed.
Burning on the outside, raw inside: Your heat is probably too high. Medium heat is the sweet spot for French toast recipe vegan style—it gives the bread time to warm through while developing that beautiful golden crust. Lower the temperature slightly and give each side an extra 30 seconds if needed.
Sticking to the pan: Don’t skimp on the butter or oil between batches. Even non-stick pans need a little fat to keep things sliding smoothly, and honestly, that butter adds so much flavor you won’t regret the extra tablespoon.
Storage and Meal Prep
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to place parchment paper between slices to prevent them from sticking together—it makes grabbing a quick breakfast so much easier.
You can reheat them in a toaster, toaster oven, or skillet for a couple minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy again.
For meal prep magic, make a big batch on Sunday and freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment, then stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Pop them straight from the freezer into your toaster for an instant weekday breakfast that tastes homemade because, well, it is.
This strategy has saved me countless rushed mornings when my kids need something satisfying before school.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan French toast is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings. Try it with fresh sliced strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup for a classic combination, or go bold with nut butter and sliced bananas for extra protein. A sprinkle of powdered sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice creates an elegant brunch-worthy presentation.
For a more substantial meal, serve your French toast alongside some savory veggie wraps or a simple fruit salad. The contrast between the warm, cinnamon-spiced toast and cool, fresh fruit is absolutely perfect. During the holidays, especially around Thanksgiving morning, I love adding a dollop of spiced apple compote or caramelized pears on top for something truly special.
Variations
Kid-friendly version: For picky eaters, reduce the cinnamon to 1/4 teaspoon and add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the batter for guaranteed smiles. You can also cut the cooked French toast into strips for easy finger food that little hands can manage. My kids call these “French toast sticks” and they disappear within minutes every single time.
Protein-packed option: Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite plant-based protein powder to the batter for an extra nutritional boost that keeps everyone full longer. Vanilla-flavored protein works especially well and blends seamlessly with the other flavors. You might need to add a splash more non-dairy milk to keep the consistency dippable.
Dairy-free indulgence: Top your finished vegan French toast ideas with coconut whipped cream, dairy-free chocolate chips, or a swirl of almond butter for something that feels truly decadent. Sometimes you just need breakfast to feel like dessert, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that approach on a Sunday morning.
Savory twist: Believe it or not, you can skip the cinnamon and vanilla entirely, add a pinch of garlic powder and nutritional yeast to the batter, and create a savory version. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or use it as a base for a breakfast sandwich—it’s surprisingly delicious and completely changes the vibe of this versatile recipe.
Vegan French Toast Recipe FAQs
Can I make this vegan French toast recipe without flour?
Absolutely, though the texture will be slightly different. Try using 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead, or even a mashed banana for binding. The flour helps create that classic custardy coating, but you can definitely work without it if needed.
What’s the best bread to use for French toast recipe vegan style?
Sturdy, day-old bread works best because it holds up beautifully to soaking without falling apart. Thick-sliced gluten-free sandwich bread, artisan gluten-free sourdough, or even homemade gluten-free bread all deliver fantastic results. Just avoid anything too fresh or soft unless you’re doing a very quick dip.
How do I keep my French toast warm while cooking multiple batches?
Preheat your oven to 200°F and place finished slices on a baking sheet in a single layer while you cook the rest. This keeps everything warm and slightly crispy without overcooking. I always do this when I’m making breakfast for a crowd—it’s a total game-changer.
Why does my vegan French toast fall apart?
This usually means your bread is too soft or fresh, or you’re soaking it too long. Choose bread that’s at least a day old with a firmer texture, and keep your dipping time brief—especially if you’re working with delicate gluten-free varieties. According to trusted gluten-free baking resources, letting gluten-free bread sit out for an hour before using helps it firm up perfectly for soaking.
Can I use this batter for other breakfast ideas?
Well… technically yes! This same mixture works wonderfully for making vegan crepes if you thin it out with extra milk, or you can use it as a coating for banana slices before pan-frying them. The cinnamon-vanilla combination is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different applications beyond traditional vegan French toast ideas.
This simple vegan French toast recipe proves that plant-based breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just six basic ingredients and about 15 minutes, you can create something golden, satisfying, and absolutely delicious that works for any dietary preference. Whether you’re serving it for a special weekend brunch or making it part of your regular breakfast rotation, this recipe delivers consistent results that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—and honestly, that’s the best compliment any recipe can get!
Vegan French Toast Recipe
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow dish or pie dish
- Large skillet or griddle
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup non-dairy milk unsweetened almond, oat, or soy work beautifully
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend creates the perfect coating texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure vanilla adds warm depth
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon the signature French toast flavor
- ¼ teaspoon salt balances the sweetness
- 6 slices bread choose sturdy gluten-free or regular bread, day-old works best
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or oil for cooking, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Whisk together your non-dairy milk, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until the mixture is completely smooth with no flour lumps remaining. Pour this beautifully spiced batter into a shallow dish—I love using a wide bowl or pie dish because it makes dipping so much easier.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add about a tablespoon of vegan butter or neutral oil. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles gently on the surface. Keep extra butter nearby because you’ll want to add a little more between batches to keep everything golden and prevent sticking.
- Working with two bread slices at a time, dip each slice into your mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. If you’re using hearty gluten-free bread, let each side soak for about 5 seconds with a gentle shake to help the batter really penetrate. For softer sandwich bread, a quick dip on each side is plenty to avoid sogginess.
- Place your coated slices onto the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until each piece turns a gorgeous golden brown with slightly crispy edges. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla will fill your kitchen, and you’ll see little caramelized spots forming—that’s exactly what you want. Repeat this process with your remaining slices, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
- Serve your vegan French toast warm, piled high on plates with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
