This vegan French toast is crispy and golden on the outside and soft and cinnamony on the inside, just like the classic. The difference is there are no eggs and no dairy. A quick batter of almond milk, ground flax, cinnamon and vanilla does the job, and the whole recipe takes just 7 plant-based ingredients and about 20 minutes.

I’m not 100% vegan, but I enjoy eating plant-based dishes as often as I can, and this is one of my favorites. It’s worth getting out of bed for, even if you’re not vegan.

Can You Make French Toast Without Eggs?

Yes! I tested several versions of this recipe, and the best-tasting way to replace the eggs is with a version of a flax egg. When ground flax meal sits in liquid for a few minutes, it turns thick and gel-like, which gives the batter the body that eggs normally bring. You can read more in my post on how to make a flax egg.

For this recipe, the flax meal goes right into the almond milk along with cinnamon, vanilla extract and a little maple syrup (optional). That’s your vegan French toast custard.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan French Toast

• No eggs and no dairy, but you still get that crispy, golden-brown outside and soft middle.
• The batter only needs to rest for 5 minutes, which is all the time the flax needs to thicken.
• A quick dip (not a soak) in the batter keeps thick, stale bread from turning soggy.
• Top it however you like: fresh fruit, coconut whipped cream, nuts or pure maple syrup.

Here’s what you’ll need (just 7 ingredients, plus your favorite toppings):

• Thick slices of rustic, stale bread (I used ciabatta)
• Unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk you like)
• Ground flax meal
• Ground cinnamon
• Pure vanilla extract
• Pure maple syrup (optional)
• Vegan butter or oil, for the pan
• Toppings like fresh fruit, coconut whipped cream, nuts and maple syrup

Vegan French Toast Ingredient Notes

The Bread

The bread is the key to this dish. To get that crispy, golden-brown outside (and not a mushy mess), use thick slices of rustic, stale bread. I used ciabatta. Day-old bread is drier, so it holds its shape after a quick dip in the batter. If you’re buying bread for this, check the label, because some breads (like brioche and challah) are made with eggs or dairy.

Ground Flax Meal

Flax meal binds with the almond milk to replicate the texture of eggs. Make sure it’s ground flax (sometimes labeled flaxseed meal), not whole flaxseeds, which won’t thicken the batter. Ground flax keeps best in the fridge or freezer. Here’s the best way to store flax and chia seeds.

Vanilla and Maple Syrup

Use pure vanilla extract, not imitation. The maple syrup in the batter is optional. I use a small amount to add a little sweetness, but you can leave it out, especially if you plan to drizzle more on top.

I buy pantry staples like flax meal, pure vanilla extract and maple syrup on Thrive Market, a high-quality online grocer. Get 40% off your first order at Thrive Market here.

How to Make Vegan French Toast

French toast is a great weekend breakfast or brunch, and this one is easy. Here’s how it comes together:

1. Mix the batter. In a large shallow bowl or dish, mix together the almond milk, flax meal, cinnamon, vanilla and maple syrup (if using). Let it sit for at least 5 minutes so the flax can thicken.
2. Slice the bread and heat the pan. While the batter rests, slice your bread into thick slices and heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip quickly. Give the batter a good stir to make sure everything is combined. Quickly dip each side of a slice in the mixture and tap off any extra. Don’t soak it. If you’re cooking in batches, wait to dip each slice until you’re ready to cook it.
4. Cook until golden. Melt 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegan butter or oil in the pan, add the dipped bread and cook until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. You may need to work in batches. Keep the heat at medium to medium-high. If it’s too high, the outside browns before the inside cooks.
5. Top and serve. Add your toppings and serve right away. I like to top mine with lots of fresh fruit, a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a drizzle of pure maple syrup for the perfect lazy-morning breakfast.

See the full recipe and tips in the printable recipe card below.

How to Keep Vegan French Toast From Getting Soggy

The biggest challenge with vegan French toast is getting the texture right. Here are my tips:

• Use thick slices of stale bread. Thin, fresh bread soaks up too much batter and falls apart.
• Use a non-toxic non-stick pan or griddle. It keeps the French toast from sticking. I’ve tried making this in a cast-iron pan, and it was a fail.
• Dip, don’t soak. A quick dip on each side is all you need. Tap off the extra before it goes in the pan.
• Cook on medium (not high) heat. Medium heat gives the inside time to cook while the outside turns golden.

How to Store Vegan French Toast

This vegan French toast is best served immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. To reheat, pop the slices into a toaster oven and cook until warmed through. The toaster oven crisps the outside back up, which the microwave won’t do.

Vegan French Toast FAQs

Is French toast vegan?

Classic French toast isn’t vegan, because the bread is dipped in a custard of eggs and dairy milk. This version swaps in almond milk and ground flax, so it’s completely plant-based as long as your bread and butter are vegan.

What can I use instead of eggs in French toast?

Ground flax meal mixed with plant milk is my favorite egg substitute for French toast. In this recipe, 2 tablespoons of ground flax go into 1 cup of almond milk, and after 5 minutes the batter thickens enough to coat the bread.

Why is my vegan French toast soggy?

Usually it’s the bread or the dipping. Thin or fresh bread absorbs too much batter, and soaking the slices makes them heavy. Use thick slices of stale bread, dip each side quickly, and cook over medium heat so the middle has time to cook.

What kind of bread is best for vegan French toast?

A thick, rustic, slightly stale bread like ciabatta works best. It’s sturdy enough to hold up to the batter and crisps up nicely in the pan. Just double-check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain eggs, milk or butter.

Is this vegan French toast gluten-free?

The batter is naturally gluten-free, so it comes down to the bread. Use a thick-sliced gluten-free bread if you need it to be gluten-free.

Love an easy breakfast? Try my Healthy Baked Oatmeal or Easy Healthy Homemade Granola. And if you eat eggs, my Easy French Toast Recipe is the classic version. If you make this vegan French toast, let me know how it turned out in the comments!

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