Vegan French Toast Recipe

Breakfast, Recipes

By Emma Parker

Serve warm with maple syrup on top.

There’s something about French toast that instantly makes a morning feel a little more special, and this vegan version delivers all that comfort without any dairy or eggs. Golden on the outside, soft in the center, and lightly sweet with warm cinnamon, this Vegan French Toast is everything you want in a cozy breakfast. It has that classic texture you expect, but with simple plant-based ingredients that come together quickly.

What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need anything complicated or hard to find, and it comes together in just minutes.

Whether you’re making a relaxed weekend breakfast or need something quick that still feels homemade, this recipe fits perfectly. It’s proof that simple ingredients can still create something really satisfying and full of flavor.

Why I Keep Making This Vegan French Toast

This is one of those recipes I come back to often because it’s reliable, quick, and always turns out well. The texture is spot on, with a crisp golden outside and a soft, custard-like center that feels just as indulgent as traditional French toast.

The cinnamon adds warmth, while the maple syrup brings just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering everything.

Another reason I keep making it is how flexible it is. It works with whatever bread I have on hand, especially slightly stale slices that soak up the batter beautifully.

It’s also a great option when I want something comforting but still light and plant-based. It feels like a treat, but it’s simple enough to make any day of the week without much effort.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

Thick slices of slightly stale bread work best for this recipe. They soak up the mixture without falling apart.

You can use sandwich bread, sourdough, or even a loaf that is a day or two old. I like using thicker slices because they hold their shape better while cooking.

Fresh bread can work too, but let it sit out for a bit so it dries slightly.

Variations You Can Mess Around With

  • Use oat milk or soy milk instead of almond milk for a slightly creamier texture
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor
  • Sprinkle a little nutmeg or pumpkin spice into the mixture for a seasonal twist
  • Use brioche-style vegan bread or challah-style loaves for a richer bite
  • Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or toasted nuts for added texture
  • Make it savory by skipping the maple syrup and adding a pinch of garlic powder and herbs

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

  1. Use slightly stale bread so it absorbs the batter without falling apart
  2. Whisk the batter thoroughly so the cornstarch fully dissolves and cooks evenly
  3. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks
  4. Let excess batter drip off before placing the bread in the pan
  5. Cook in batches and don’t overcrowd the pan for even browning
  6. Add fresh coconut oil between batches to keep the pan lightly greased

How To Make Vegan French Toast?

Equipment

  1. Medium mixing bowl
  2. Whisk
  3. Shallow dish
  4. Nonstick skillet or griddle
  5. Spatula

Ingredients

  1. ¼ cup cornstarch
  2. 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  3. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  4. ½ teaspoon baking powder
  5. Sea salt
  6. 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  7. 1 tablespoon maple syrup, plus more for serving
  8. Coconut oil, for the pan
  9. 4 to 6 thick slices bread, slightly stale

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, cinnamon, baking powder, and a small pinch of salt.

Step 2:
Add the almond milk and maple syrup. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Pour it into a shallow dish for easy dipping.

Add the almond milk and maple syrup. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Pour it into a shallow dish for easy dipping.

Step 3:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly brush it with coconut oil.

Step 4:
Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, turning to coat both sides. Let any extra drip off, then place it in the pan.

Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, turning to coat both sides. Let any extra drip off, then place it in the pan.

Step 5:
Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Lower the heat if needed so the inside cooks without burning the outside. Work in batches and add more coconut oil to the pan as needed.

Step 6:
Serve warm with maple syrup on top.

Serve warm with maple syrup on top.

Vegan French Toast

Vegan French Toast

Vegan French Toast is a quick and simple breakfast made with plant-based ingredients and thick slices of bread.
It cooks up golden and soft with a light sweetness and warm cinnamon flavor. This is a great option for weekend mornings or an easy breakfast that still feels a little special.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 276

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Sea salt
  • 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

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Shallow dish
  • Nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, nutritional yeast, cinnamon, baking powder, and a small pinch of salt.
  2. Add the almond milk and maple syrup. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Pour it into a shallow dish for easy dipping.
  3. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly brush it with coconut oil.
  4. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, turning to coat both sides. Let any extra drip off, then place it in the pan.
  5. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Lower the heat if needed so the inside cooks without burning the outside. Work in batches and add more coconut oil to the pan as needed.
  6. Serve warm with maple syrup on top.

Notes

  • If you’re looking for a comforting breakfast that feels just a little special without requiring much effort, this vegan French toast is a great place to start.
  • It’s easy, satisfying, and full of flavor in every bite.
  • Once you try it, it might just become part of your regular morning routine.

Nutritional Information

NutrientAmount
Calories276 kcal
Carbohydrates51 g
Fat4 g
Protein9 g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient size, quality, brand, location, and the proportions used. All nutritional information is calculated on a per-serving basis.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using fresh, soft bread that becomes soggy too quickly
  2. Not whisking the batter well, leaving lumps of cornstarch
  3. Cooking on heat that is too high, causing uneven cooking
  4. Skipping oil between batches, leading to sticking
  5. Over-soaking the bread, which can make it fall apart

How I Like to Serve These

  • Drizzled generously with warm maple syrup
  • Topped with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar
  • With sliced bananas and a spoonful of nut butter
  • Alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast
  • With a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for extra texture

Storage / Leftovers and Next-Day Thoughts

  1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  2. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture rather than microwaving
  3. Toast lightly to bring back some crispness
  4. Batter can be mixed ahead and stored for a day in the fridge
  5. Flavor stays great, but texture is best when freshly cooked

FAQs

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread and follow the same method.

Why is nutritional yeast used?
It adds a subtle depth of flavor and helps mimic the richness typically found in egg-based recipes.

Can I freeze vegan French toast?
Yes, let it cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a container.

What bread works best?
Thick slices like sandwich bread, sourdough, or vegan brioche-style bread work well.

Can I skip the maple syrup in the batter?
Yes, but it adds a light sweetness, so you may want to compensate with toppings.

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