I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a delightful plant-based twist on a classic comfort food, and it gives me all the cozy brunch vibes with an eco-friendly twist. Plus, the combination of maple syrup and cinnamon is a match made in heaven that takes me straight to Sunday brunch nostalgia.
I enjoy beginning my day with a robust breakfast, and my Vegan French Toast is a delectable selection that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. It starts with a base of unsweetened almond milk, ground flaxseed (which serves as the ‘egg’), and a touch of cinnamon.
Altogether, this provides a really good base of protein and fiber, plant-based protein and fiber, of course. For me, this dish truly hits the mark when I serve it using stale bread, which not only reduces waste but also achieves an amazing texture that helps soak up the rich vanilla and maple syrup slang when perfectly cooked.
Ingredients
Ground Flaxseed:
High in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, excellent for cardiovascular health.
Maple Syrup:
Sweetener from natural sources that is rich in minerals such as zinc and manganese.
Unsweetened Almond Milk:
Few calories, high in vitamin E, high in calcium.
Vanilla Extract:
Provides a sweetly aromatic essence, minus the added sugars.
Ground Cinnamon:
Enhances taste and quercetin, may assist with blood sugar control.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 8 slices of stale or day-old bread (such as sourdough or whole grain)
- Coconut oil or vegan butter, for cooking
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, blend the almond milk, ground flaxseed, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whip the blend until well combined, then let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
2. Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of coconut oil or vegan butter to the skillet. Swirl to coat the skillet in a thin layer of fat.
3. Immerse one piece of bread at a time in the flaxseed mixture, making sure each side is copiously covered but not sopping wet, to avoid a mushy texture in the finished product.
4. With care, place the bread that has been coated onto the skillet that has been heated.
5. Prepare each side for a duration of 3-4 minutes, or until the exterior exhibits a golden brown hue and a crispy texture.
6. Take the French toast out of the skillet and place it on a plate for serving.
7. Continue the processes of dipping and cooking until all slices of bread have been used, augmenting the amount of coconut oil or vegan butter in the skillet as needed.
8. When all the slices are done cooking, serve the warm French toast.
9. You can optionally top it off with fresh fruits, extra maple syrup, or powdered sugar.
10. Savor your delightful plant-based French toast right now.
Equipment Needed
1. Mixing bowl
2. Whisk or fork
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Non-stick skillet
6. Spatula
7. Plate for serving
FAQ
- Can I use a different plant-based milk?You can replace almond milk with any other plant-based milk of your choice, like soy, oat, or cashew milk.
- What type of bread works best?Bread that is a day old or slightly stale, such as sourdough or whole grain, is ideal. It has a much better texture than fresh bread when it comes to soaking. It is much less likely to turn into a mushy, soggy mass.
- Is there a substitute for ground flaxseed?Chia seeds are a fine substitute. About 1 tablespoon of chia seeds can take the place of the ground flaxseed.
- Can I add extra flavoring?Definitely! A pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest can take the flavors to the next level.
- How can I make the toast crispier?Ensure the vegan butter or coconut oil is hot in a non-stick pan before adding the bread. Cooking it over medium heat will yield a nice, golden crust.
- What can I top the French toast with?A favorite topping is fresh fruit, such as berries or bananas. Another is a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. And some folks like to drizzle just a bit more maple syrup on top.
- Can this recipe be prepared in advance?The batter can be mixed and kept in the refrigerator for as long as a day. French toast is tastiest when it is fresh out of the oven (or skillet if you’re going old school), but it can be reheated to a respectable degree of deliciousness and served warm when it’s done in a toaster oven or just a regular ole toaster.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use soy milk or oat milk instead of almond milk.
Substitute chia seeds for ground flaxseed (using the same amount).
Replace maple syrup with agave syrup or date syrup.
Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
If you lack cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice can be used in its stead.
Pro Tips
1. Use Stale Bread: Ensure that the bread is stale or slightly dry for optimal texture, as fresh bread can become too soggy after dipping in the mixture.
2. Customize Flavors: For additional depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter. This can enhance the aromatic qualities without overpowering the vanilla and cinnamon.
3. Thicken the Mixture: If the mixture is not thick enough after sitting for 5 minutes, add an additional tablespoon of ground flaxseed to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Watch the Heat: Maintain a medium heat on your skillet. If the heat is too high, the outside may cook too quickly, leaving the inside soggy. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking.
5. Enhanced Crispiness: For extra crispy French toast, consider lightly toasting the bread slices before dipping them in the batter. This can help create a firmer texture that holds up well during cooking.
Vegan French Toast Recipe
My favorite Vegan French Toast Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Mixing bowl
2. Whisk or fork
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Non-stick skillet
6. Spatula
7. Plate for serving
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 8 slices of stale or day-old bread (such as sourdough or whole grain)
- Coconut oil or vegan butter, for cooking
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, blend the almond milk, ground flaxseed, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whip the blend until well combined, then let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
2. Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of coconut oil or vegan butter to the skillet. Swirl to coat the skillet in a thin layer of fat.
3. Immerse one piece of bread at a time in the flaxseed mixture, making sure each side is copiously covered but not sopping wet, to avoid a mushy texture in the finished product.
4. With care, place the bread that has been coated onto the skillet that has been heated.
5. Prepare each side for a duration of 3-4 minutes, or until the exterior exhibits a golden brown hue and a crispy texture.
6. Take the French toast out of the skillet and place it on a plate for serving.
7. Continue the processes of dipping and cooking until all slices of bread have been used, augmenting the amount of coconut oil or vegan butter in the skillet as needed.
8. When all the slices are done cooking, serve the warm French toast.
9. You can optionally top it off with fresh fruits, extra maple syrup, or powdered sugar.
10. Savor your delightful plant-based French toast right now.
