Meta Description: Learn how to make the perfect vegan french toast with this easy recipe. Golden, fluffy vegan french toast that tastes just like the classic – no eggs or dairy needed!
This vegan french toast transforms simple plant-based ingredients into the most incredible weekend breakfast treat. Made with creamy non-dairy milk and a secret blend of spices, this vegan french toast delivers all the custardy richness you crave without a single egg or drop of dairy. Each slice emerges golden-brown and perfectly fluffy, creating the ultimate vegan french toast experience that’s ready to soak up your favorite maple syrup.
Recipe Info Bar
SERVES: 4 | PREP: 13 MIN | COOK: 15 MIN | TOTAL: 28 MIN
Ingredients
For the Vegan French Toast Batter
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsweetened non-dairy milk | 1 cup | Oat milk works best |
| Ground flaxseed | 2 tablespoons | Acts as egg replacer |
| Nutritional yeast | 2 tablespoons | Adds richness |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure vanilla preferred |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Fresh ground is ideal |
| Turmeric | 1/4 teaspoon | For golden color |
| Salt | Pinch | Enhances all flavors |
| Maple syrup | 1 tablespoon | For subtle sweetness |
For Cooking & Serving
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Thick bread slices | 8 pieces | Day-old challah or brioche |
| Vegan butter | 3 tablespoons | For cooking |
| Maple syrup | For serving | Pure maple recommended |
| Fresh berries | 1 cup | Optional garnish |
Complete Vegan French Toast Instructions for Beginners
Phase 1: Create Your Vegan French Toast Batter (8 minutes)
1. Start with the flax egg mixture: Place 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed in a large, shallow mixing bowl. Pour in 1 cup non-dairy milk slowly while whisking constantly. This prevents clumps from forming. Set a timer for exactly 3 minutes and let this mixture sit undisturbed. During this time, the flaxseed will absorb the liquid and create a gel-like consistency that acts just like beaten eggs in traditional french toast.
2. Check your flax mixture: After 3 minutes, your mixture should coat the back of a spoon and feel slightly thick when stirred. If it seems too thin, add 1 more tablespoon of ground flaxseed and wait another 2 minutes. This step is crucial for vegan french toast success.
3. Add the dry flavor ingredients: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, and a pinch of salt over your flax mixture. The nutritional yeast adds a rich, almost cheesy flavor that makes this vegan french toast taste incredibly satisfying.
4. Whisk until completely smooth: Use a wire whisk to blend everything together for about 45 seconds. Make sure no dry ingredients are sticking to the bottom of the bowl. The mixture should be golden-yellow from the turmeric and smell wonderfully spiced.
5. Add the liquid flavor enhancers: Pour in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Whisk vigorously for another 30 seconds. Your vegan french toast batter should now be smooth, creamy, and smell absolutely delicious.
6. Final batter check: The finished batter should pour easily but coat bread well. It should be the consistency of heavy cream. If it’s too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons more non-dairy milk. If too thin, whisk in another tablespoon of nutritional yeast.
Phase 2: Prepare Your Bread for Perfect Vegan French Toast (5 minutes)
7. Select and inspect your bread: Choose 8 thick slices of day-old bread, each about 3/4-inch thick. Day-old bread is slightly drier and won’t fall apart when soaked. If using fresh bread, place slices on a baking sheet and toast in a 200°F oven for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
8. Set up your dipping station: Pour your vegan french toast batter into a shallow dish or pie plate that’s wide enough to fit your bread slices comfortably. Place this next to your stove. Set out a large plate for holding the dipped bread and have your spatula ready.
9. Prepare your cooking area: Clear counter space near your stove for the soaked bread. Have a clean kitchen towel ready for wiping your hands, and make sure your vegan butter is at room temperature for easy spreading.
Phase 3: The Soaking and Cooking Process (15 minutes)
10. Heat your cooking surface properly: Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. This is important – medium heat prevents the outside from burning while the inside cooks through. Let it heat for 2 full minutes before adding butter.
11. Test your pan temperature: Drop a small piece of vegan butter in the pan. It should sizzle gently and melt within 5 seconds. If it browns immediately, your heat is too high. If nothing happens, increase the heat slightly.
12. Add butter for the first batch: Add 1 tablespoon vegan butter to your heated pan and swirl to coat evenly. The butter should foam slightly but not brown.
13. Master the soaking technique: Take your first bread slice and dip it into the vegan french toast batter. Let it soak for exactly 15 seconds, then flip and soak the other side for 15 seconds. Don’t rush this – the bread needs time to absorb the mixture. Gently shake off excess batter.
14. Place in the hot pan carefully: Using both hands, transfer the soaked bread to the hot skillet. You should hear a gentle sizzle. Repeat with 1-2 more slices, depending on your pan size. Don’t overcrowd – each slice needs space.
15. Cook the first side patiently: Let the vegan french toast cook for exactly 3 minutes without moving or pressing down on them. You’ll see the edges starting to set and turn golden. Resist the urge to peek underneath before 3 minutes.
16. Check for doneness before flipping: After 3 minutes, gently lift one edge with your spatula. The bottom should be golden-brown and easily release from the pan. If it’s pale or sticks, cook for another minute.
17. Execute the perfect flip: Slide your spatula completely under each slice and flip in one smooth motion. The cooked side should be beautifully golden. Cook the second side for 2-3 minutes. This side usually cooks faster, so watch carefully.
18. Keep your vegan french toast warm: Transfer finished slices to a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm and crispy while you cook the remaining batches. Don’t stack them or they’ll get soggy.
19. Continue with remaining batches: Add more vegan butter to your pan as needed between batches. The pan will get hotter with each batch, so you might need to reduce cooking time slightly for later slices.
20. Final plating and serving: Arrange your golden vegan french toast on serving plates immediately. Serve with warm maple syrup, fresh berries, and any other desired toppings while the toast is still hot and crispy on the outside.
Expert Chef’s Notes for Vegan French Toast
• Bread selection matters: Day-old challah, brioche, or thick sourdough work best for vegan french toast. Avoid thin sandwich bread which becomes mushy. The slightly dry texture of day-old bread helps it absorb the batter without falling apart.
• Temperature control: Keep heat at medium to prevent burning the outside while the inside stays raw. The turmeric can brown quickly, so watch your vegan french toast carefully during cooking.
• Make-ahead batter: Mix your vegan french toast batter the night before for even better flavor development. The flaxseed continues to thicken overnight, creating an even more custard-like texture.
• Crispy edges secret: Let each side of your vegan french toast cook undisturbed for the full time to develop those perfect golden, slightly crispy edges that everyone loves.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
Creative Vegan French Toast Variations
Stuffed Vegan French Toast
Create pockets in thick bread slices and stuff with vegan cream cheese and berries before dipping in batter. This technique works beautifully with other vegan breakfast recipes for a complete plant-based brunch spread.
Chocolate Chip Vegan French Toast
Add 2 tablespoons of mini vegan chocolate chips to your vegan french toast batter for an indulgent twist that rivals any vegan dessert.
Savory Herb Vegan French Toast
Skip the cinnamon and maple syrup, add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for a savory vegan french toast perfect for brunch alongside eggs and bacon alternatives.
Tropical Coconut Vegan French Toast
Replace half the non-dairy milk with canned coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the vegan french toast batter for island flavors that transport you to paradise.
Storage & Reheating Your Vegan French Toast
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover vegan french toast in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking and maintain the texture.
Freezer Storage
Freeze cooked vegan french toast slices for up to 2 months. Place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags. This prevents the slices from sticking together.
Reheating Methods
- Toaster: Best method for crispy results, toast your vegan french toast on medium setting
- Oven: 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through
- Skillet: Quick reheat in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes per side
Vegan French Toast Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Vegan French Toast Falls Apart During Cooking
Solution: Your bread was too fresh or the soak time was too long. Use day-old bread and limit soaking to 15 seconds per side maximum. Fresh bread absorbs too much liquid and becomes fragile.
Problem: Batter Won’t Stick to Bread
Solution: The vegan french toast batter is too thin. Add an extra tablespoon of ground flaxseed and let it sit for 5 more minutes to thicken properly.
Problem: Burnt Outside, Raw Inside
Solution: Heat is too high. Reduce to medium-low and cook your vegan french toast longer on each side for even heating throughout the slice.
Problem: Vegan French Toast Not Golden Enough
Solution: Add an extra pinch of turmeric to your batter, or increase cooking time slightly for better browning and that perfect golden color.
Problem: Tastes Bland
Solution: Double the vanilla extract and add a tablespoon of maple syrup directly to the vegan french toast batter for more flavor depth and richness.
Equipment Essentials
- Large shallow bowl for batter mixing
- Whisk for smooth batter consistency
- Wide shallow dish for bread dipping
- Large non-stick skillet or griddle
- Thin spatula for easy flipping
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven-safe plate for keeping warm
Shopping List
Dairy/Refrigerated Section
- Non-dairy milk (oat milk preferred)
- Vegan butter
Pantry/Dry Goods
- Ground flaxseed
- Nutritional yeast
- Pure vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Turmeric powder
- Sea salt
- Pure maple syrup
Bakery Section
- Thick bread (challah, brioche, or sourdough)
Produce Section
- Fresh berries (optional)
Success Secrets for Perfect Vegan French Toast
1. Let the flax work its magic: Always give your flax and non-dairy milk mixture the full 3 minutes to gel. This creates the binding power that holds your vegan french toast together perfectly.
2. Temperature is everything: Medium heat ensures your vegan french toast cooks evenly without burning. Patience pays off with perfect golden results every single time.
3. Don’t skip the nutritional yeast: This ingredient adds the rich, almost cheesy depth that makes vegan french toast taste just as satisfying as traditional recipes.
4. Prep everything first: Have your vegan french toast batter ready, bread sliced, and pan heated before you start cooking. This prevents overcooking while you scramble to prepare.
5. Serve immediately: Vegan french toast tastes best straight from the pan when it’s hot and the exterior is still slightly crispy with that perfect golden color.
