
This vegan French toast has become a weekend favorite in my kitchen for good reason. Crispy on the outside with a soft custardy middle it is everything you want from classic French toast without any eggs or dairy. Whether you are hosting brunch or just want a cozy breakfast this recipe delivers all the nostalgic comfort of the original and it is quick enough for busy mornings
I tried this recipe the first time out of curiosity one lazy Sunday and now it is the dish I get the most special requests for whether family or friends happen to stay over
Ingredients
- Bread of choice: thicker sliced bread works best holds up without getting mushy pick a sturdy country loaf or sourdough if you can
- Mashed banana or coconut cream: these create the rich custard base banana brings natural sweetness coconut cream is super creamy use whichever you like best or try flax eggs for a more neutral flavor
- Salt: enhances all the sweet flavors and rounds out the taste
- Milk of choice: oat almond or soy all work to keep the custard smooth I go for unsweetened to have more control over the final sweetness
- Sweetener of choice: maple syrup or agave are my go to for deep simple sweetness
- Optional cinnamon: a hint of spice wakes up all the other flavors
- Optional nutritional yeast: just a pinch gives a subtle classic French toast taste surprisingly effective
Step by Step Instructions
- Dry the Bread:
- For the best texture let the bread sit out overnight uncovered or bake the slices at three hundred degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen minutes until dried out this helps the bread soak up the custard while staying crispy outside
- Mix the Custard:
- Whisk mashed banana or coconut cream with salt milk sweetener and any spices or nutritional yeast in a large mixing bowl whisk for a full minute until smooth and fully combined
- Soak the Bread:
- Dip each slice in the mixture turning gently to saturate both sides lay in a shallow dish and pour any leftover mixture on top let soak ten to fifteen minutes flipping halfway through so every slice absorbs the custard evenly
- Cook the French Toast:
- Grease a nonstick pan well and warm it over medium heat add the soaked slices and cook for one and a half minutes on the first side flip when golden brown and cook another minute until browned and crisp outside repeat with remaining slices

I love adding cinnamon because it fills my whole kitchen with the smell of warm spice and reminds me of breakfasts my mom used to make we would laugh over stacks of French toast on lazy mornings piled high with fruit
Storage Tips
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days When ready to reheat pop slices in a toaster oven or bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about eight minutes to revive that crisp edge Avoid the microwave since it can make the bread soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap mashed banana with applesauce or pumpkin puree for a fun seasonal twist or use plant based yogurt to change the flavor Keep in mind coconut cream gives the richest result Flax eggs offer a great eggless binder if you prefer less fruit flavor For non dairy milk use any variety you have
Serving Suggestions
Serve vegan French toast hot off the pan with maple syrup fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar For something different try almond butter and sliced banana or your favorite plant based yogurt dollop This toast is sturdy enough for generous toppings

A Little Background
French toast was historically a way to use up stale bread and make a filling meal out of simple ingredients The vegan version is a loving update that keeps this frugal spirit alive but with modern plant based choices and endless ways to customize for your favorite flavors
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What bread works best for vegan French toast?
Sturdy bread like sourdough, French, or whole wheat holds up well and soaks the custard without falling apart.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free loaf for similar results and flavor.
- → How can I get a crispy texture?
Allow the bread to dry out slightly before soaking or bake slices briefly before dipping for crispier edges.
- → What dairy-free milk is best to use?
Any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy works well here, so use what you enjoy most.
- → Are there egg alternatives besides flax eggs?
Mashed banana and coconut cream also create a creamy custard, offering unique flavor variations.
- → Can I prepare the batter ahead?
Yes, you can mix the custard base and refrigerate it for up to a day before using.