Are you looking for a delicious and easy vegan breakfast option? Look no further than vegan french toast! This classic dish can be made without eggs and dairy while still being packed with flavour and nutrients. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making vegan french toast step-by-step, from the ingredients to the cooking process to the toppings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is perfect for you!
Ingredients for Vegan French Toast
If you’re looking for a delicious vegan french toast recipe, then you’ll need some specific ingredients to make it happen. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bread | 6-8 slices |
| Almond Milk | 1 cup |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Vegan Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| Maple Syrup | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | A pinch |
For those who prefer gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. And for those who don’t want to use eggs, try using mashed bananas or applesauce as a substitute in the batter.
Making the Vegan French Toast Batter
To make the batter for vegan French toast, you’ll need to mix together a few simple ingredients in a bowl. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond milk) | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Nutritional yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Maple syrup | 1 tablespoon |
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Use a whisk to make sure that there are no lumps in the batter, and that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
The cornstarch is a key ingredient in this recipe because it helps the batter stick to the bread, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown crust. The nutritional yeast adds a savoury, cheesy flavour to the French toast, which makes it extra delicious.
If you prefer a sweeter French toast, you can add more maple syrup to the batter. On the other hand, if you prefer a more savoury flavour, you can omit the maple syrup altogether.
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: preparing the bread for cooking.
Preparing the Bread for Vegan French Toast
Choosing the right bread is crucial for making a delicious vegan french toast. You can use any kind of bread you like, but we recommend using a dense, slightly stale bread for best results. Brioche, white bread, or sourdough are all great options.
Once you’ve selected your bread, it’s time to slice it. Cut the bread into thick slices, about 1-1.5 inches each. This will allow the bread to soak up the batter without falling apart. Make sure the slices are all the same size for even cooking.
Now that your bread is sliced, it’s time to soak it in the batter. Dip each slice of bread into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Let it sit for a few seconds so that the bread can absorb the batter.
For extra flavour, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter before dipping the bread. This will give your vegan french toast a warm, spiced flavour that pairs perfectly with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
Cooking the Vegan French Toast
Now that the bread is soaked and ready to go, it’s time to cook the perfect vegan french toast.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of vegan butter or oil to the pan.
Add the soaked bread to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
For best results, use a spatula to press down gently on the bread as it cooks, ensuring that it cooks evenly and gets a crispy exterior.
Once the french toast is cooked, transfer it to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining slices of bread.
You can keep the cooked french toast warm in the oven, heated to 200°F, until you’re ready to serve.
Tip: To perfect the cooking process, use a non-stick pan that’s large enough to cook the french toast slices comfortably. This will prevent the bread from sticking and falling apart as it cooks.
Vegan French Toast Toppings and Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making vegan French toast, it’s time to add some delicious toppings! Here are some ideas to take your breakfast to the next level:
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Fresh Berries | Top your French toast with a mixture of your favourite berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a fruity twist. |
| Banana Slices and Nut Butter | Spread some peanut or almond butter onto your French toast and top with sliced bananas. It’s a perfect combination of sweet and savoury. |
| Maple Syrup and Vegan Whipped Cream | A classic combination, drizzle some maple syrup over your French toast and top with a dollop of vegan whipped cream for a decadent treat. |
| Chopped Nuts and Cinnamon | If you’re looking for a more crunchy texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts and a pinch of cinnamon on top of your French toast. |
For an extra special touch, you can also serve your French toast with some fresh fruit on the side, such as sliced kiwi or grapefruit.
Tip: If you have any leftover or stale bread, don’t throw it away! It’s perfect for making French toast. Simply slice the bread and let it sit in the batter for a few minutes longer than fresh bread to ensure it soaks up all the liquid.
Vegan French Toast Variations: Healthy & Delicious
Vegan french toast can be a healthy and satisfying breakfast option with a few tweaks and additions to the classic recipe. Here are some ideas to make your vegan french toast even more nutritious:
Whole Grain Bread
Swap the white bread for a whole-grain option to add some fiber and nutrients to your meal. Look for a bread that has at least 3 grams of fiber per slice. You can also try using sprouted grain bread for an extra boost of nutrients.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a great addition to vegan french toast batter as they add some healthy omega-3 fats and protein. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. Add it to the batter mixture before soaking the bread.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon not only adds flavor to your vegan french toast, but it also has some health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top of your french toast before serving.
Berry Compote
Instead of using syrup or sugary toppings, make a berry compote to add some natural sweetness and nutrients to your breakfast. Combine frozen berries with a splash of water and cook on medium heat until they break down and form a sauce.
Avocado
For a savory twist on vegan french toast, try topping it with some mashed avocado and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Avocado is a great source of healthy fats and adds some creaminess to the dish.
Experiment with these healthy variations to find your favourite combination. Vegan french toast can be both delicious and nutritious!
FAQ about Vegan French Toast
If you’re new to vegan cooking or just curious about making the perfect vegan french toast, you may have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this delicious breakfast dish:
What’s the best bread to use for vegan french toast?
There are many types of bread that work well for vegan french toast. We recommend using a hearty, slightly dense bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or challah. These breads soak up the batter well and hold their shape during cooking.
What can I use instead of eggs for vegan french toast?
Eggs are a classic ingredient in traditional french toast, but they’re not necessary for a delicious vegan version. You can use plant-based milks like almond, soy, or coconut milk as a base for the batter, and add a binding agent like cornstarch or ground flaxseed to help the batter stick to the bread.
Can I make vegan french toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can make vegan french toast ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. To store in the fridge, let the cooked french toast cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To store in the freezer, let the cooked french toast cool to room temperature, then place it in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. To reheat, simply toast or bake the french toast until warmed through.
How can I make my vegan french toast healthier?
There are many ways to make vegan french toast healthier. You can use whole-grain bread for added fibre and nutrients, and add superfoods like chia seeds or flaxseed for an extra nutritional boost. You can also use a low-sugar plant-based milk and sweeten the batter with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or mashed banana.
Can I make gluten-free vegan french toast?
Yes, you can make gluten-free vegan french toast by using gluten-free bread and a plant-based milk that is also gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free flour or a gluten-free baking mix to help the batter bind to the bread.
We hope these answers help you make the best vegan french toast possible. Enjoy!
