Vegan French Toast with Almond Milk

You know that feeling when you wake up craving something warm, sweet, and comforting for breakfast? That’s exactly why I fell in love with vegan French toast – it’s everything you love about the classic, just without the eggs and dairy. I’ve been making this version for years, ever since my best friend (who’s vegan) stayed over and I realized how easy it is to whip up something delicious that everyone can enjoy. The secret? A simple batter that clings to the bread perfectly, giving you that golden, crispy outside and soft, custardy inside. Trust me, even the most die-hard French toast purists won’t miss the eggs when they taste this!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan French Toast

Let me tell you why this recipe has become my go-to breakfast (and sometimes even dessert!). First off, it’s ridiculously easy – we’re talking 5 minutes of prep and ingredients you probably already have. No weird egg substitutes or fancy techniques here! Here’s what makes it special:

• Dairy-free magic: Almond milk and coconut oil give it that rich taste without any dairy
• Custom sweetness: Add more or less maple syrup depending on your mood (I’m team extra syrup!)
• Perfect texture: The flour helps create that classic French toast “custard” coating
• Morning lifesaver: Works with stale bread, so nothing goes to waste

Seriously, it’s so good you’ll want to make it every weekend!

Ingredients for Vegan French Toast

Here’s what you’ll need to make the most amazing vegan French toast – and yes, every single ingredient matters!

• 4 slices bread (slightly stale works best – trust me on this)
• 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened is my go-to)
• 2 tbsp flour (all-purpose does the trick)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (the real stuff, please!)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (splurge on pure vanilla if you can)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (for frying – gives that perfect golden crust)

See? Nothing complicated – just pantry staples transformed into something magical!

How to Make Vegan French Toast

Okay, let’s get cooking! This vegan French toast comes together so easily, but there are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make it absolutely perfect every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Grab your favorite mixing bowl – I like to use a shallow one for easy dipping. First, pour in the almond milk, then whisk in the flour until there are absolutely no lumps. This is crucial – you want it completely smooth like a thin pancake batter. Now add the maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon, whisking until everything is beautifully combined. The batter should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash more almond milk. Too thin? A pinch more flour. Easy peasy!

Step 2: Fry to Perfection

Heat your pan over medium heat (not too hot!) and melt the coconut oil. While it warms up, dip each bread slice into the batter, letting it soak for about 15 seconds per side – you want it fully coated but not falling apart. When the oil shimmers, add your first slice. Listen for that satisfying sizzle! Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until you get that gorgeous golden-brown crust. The edges will crisp up beautifully while the inside stays wonderfully soft. Flip carefully with a spatula, and don’t crowd the pan – I usually do two slices at a time for perfect results.

Tips for the Best Vegan French Toast

After making this recipe countless times (sometimes while half-asleep on Sunday mornings), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to take your vegan French toast from good to “can I have seconds?” amazing:

• Bread matters: Use thick slices of brioche or sourdough – they soak up the batter without getting mushy
• Sweetness control: Start with 1 tbsp maple syrup, then taste the batter – you can always add more after the first bite!
• Crispy edges: Let the toast cook undisturbed for the full 2-3 minutes per side – peeking too early prevents that perfect crust
• No waste hack: Leftover batter? Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days – just give it a good whisk before using

Oh, and pro tip? Double the batch – it disappears way faster than you’d think!

Serving Suggestions for Vegan French Toast

Now for the best part – loading up your golden slices with delicious toppings! My absolute favorite is drowning them in warm maple syrup with a handful of fresh berries. But honestly, the options are endless:

• Classic: A generous drizzle of maple syrup and dusting of powdered sugar
• Fruity: Sliced bananas or juicy strawberries piled high
• Decadent: A dollop of vegan whipped cream and chocolate chips
• Savory twist: A smear of almond butter with sliced apples

Honestly? Sometimes I skip the plate and eat it straight from the pan – no judgment here!

Vegan French Toast Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up! Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth, or blend in half a banana for natural sweetness. Feeling adventurous? Try these swaps:

• Spice it up: Add 1/4 tsp cardamom or pumpkin pie spice to the batter
• Berry blend: Toss a handful of blueberries into the batter before dipping
• Tropical twist: Use coconut milk instead of almond milk for extra richness
• Protein boost: Stir in 1 tbsp peanut butter to the wet mixture

The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Storage & Reheating

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your vegan French toast tasting fresh:

• Fridge storage: Stack cooled slices with parchment paper between them in an airtight container – they’ll keep for 2 days
• Toaster revival: Pop them straight in the toaster for 1-2 minutes to bring back that perfect crispness
• Pan refresh: A quick 30-second fry in a dry pan works wonders if you want them extra golden

Pro tip: The batter itself stores great too – just keep it chilled and give it a good whisk before using!

Vegan French Toast FAQs

I get asked about this recipe all the time, so here are answers to the most common questions that pop up:

Can I use oat milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely! Any plant milk works – oat gives a slightly creamier texture which I love. Just avoid the super watery varieties.

Is gluten-free bread okay?
Yes, but choose a sturdy GF bread. The batter can make flimsy slices soggy, so look for thick-cut options.

Why does my batter look thin?
Don’t panic! The flour needs a good whisk to thicken properly. Let it sit 2 minutes – it’ll transform before your eyes.

Can I make this oil-free?
Try a non-stick pan, but honestly, that coconut oil gives the best golden crust. A light spray works in a pinch though!

Help! My bread keeps falling apart!
Use slightly stale bread and don’t oversoak – 15 seconds per side is perfect. Thicker slices help too!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (2 slices): about 220 calories, 6g fat, and 35g carbs. Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers will vary based on bread thickness and how much syrup you drown it in (no shame!). Now go make some vegan French toast magic and tag me with your delicious results!

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