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This vegan french toast recipe is pure perfection! Crispy pan-fried edges, a sweet custardy interior, and warm fragrant notes of vanilla and cinnamon make this a breakfast favorite.

I will look for any excuse to have a sweet decadent breakfast like french toast. Especially when it’s this easy to make! I’ve tried every vegan french toast recipe and this one is my all-time favorite.

The secret, I’ve found, to make the best vegan french toast is in using flax as an egg substitute and cornstarch for a lightly crisp exterior. Flax eggs are a better choice than other vegan egg substitutes because it sticks to the bread very well and won’t complicate the french toast flavor the way mashed banana or applesauce can. Cornstarch gives you that perfect bit of crispness on the outside.

Notes on Ingredients

unsweetened soy milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
cornstarch – the secret ingredient that gives your french toast the perfect crisp
ground flaxseeds – egg substitute
vanilla
cinnamon
nutmeg (optional)
maple syrup
good thick vegan bread like french, brioche, challah, sourdough, or ciabatta
coconut oil or vegan butter for frying
serving options include fresh fruit, powdered sugar, maple syrup, yogurt, nut butter, pecans, shredded coconut

The Perfect Bread for French Toast

Although you can use everyday sliced sandwich bread and have perfectly delicious french toast, the best bread is thick, sturdy, and slightly stale. The thicker dryer bread will soak up the custard very well, creating a creamy interior and crisp exterior.

Something to consider when choosing a thick style of bread is your preference for the crust. If you prefer a softer french toast definitely go with something like challah or ciabatta. I really like the crisp crust of french bread and vegan french bread is easy to find. I also really like sourdough. Sourdough offers a little sour flavor which very nicely contrasts the sweetness of the maple syrup.

Sliced french bread — Day Old Costco French Bread!

Tips for Making Better French Toast

You can spice up the custard with cardamom or pumpkin pie spice.
Using thick bread like french, brioche, challah, ciabatta, or a thick cinnamon swirl bread is such an easy way to make your french toast feel gourmet.
Use slightly stale bread which will soak up the custard better.
Make sure to soak the bread for 2-4 minutes per side so that the custard has time to saturate through the slice. Less time for thinner softer bread.
Soy milk will give the custard a creamier edge than thinner plant milk.
A pinch of salt can really bring out the flavor of your spices.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Prepared french toast can be kept warm in the oven at 250 degrees for up to 30 minutes.
Store prepared vegan french toast in the freezer for up to 2 months by separating each slice with wax paper and storing it in a sealed freezer bag. Then reheat in the oven in a single layer on a cookie sheet covered with foil for 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees.
Prepared french toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Perfect Vegan French Toast

Author: Danielle
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

This vegan french toast recipe is pure perfection! Crispy pan-fried edges, a sweet custardy interior, and warm fragrant notes of vanilla and cinnamon make this a breakfast or brunch favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsweetened soy milk

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 teaspoons flaxseeds

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

6–8 slices of good thick bread like french, ciabatta or sourdough

vegan butter or coconut oil for frying

serve with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, maple syrup, yogurt, nut butter, whipped cream

Instructions

1. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the soy milk, ground flaxseeds, cornstarch, baking powder, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

2. Soak your bread in the batter for 2-3 minutes on each side. Less time for thinner softer bread.

3. Heat your pan to medium-high. Spray with a little coconut oil or use a pat of vegan butter or coconut oil.

4. Cook french toast for 2-3 minutes on each side.

5. Serve with maple syrup and your favorite toppings.

Equipment

Mixing Bowls

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