Author: This Vegan French Toast is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and irresistibly rich and decadent. Made with banana and coconut milk (with easy substitutions available), this easy recipe comes together in minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. Because lazy mornings and golden, fluffy French toast are a match made in heaven.
FEATURED COMMENT:
This was SO unbelievably easy to make and so delicious!! 10/10! I used all the ingredients as you listed them & will definitely be making this a staple at my house. Thanks for the amazing recipe! - Cindi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This Vegan French Toast recipe tastes like something you'd order at a fancy brunch spot, but it's secretly so simple, you can whip it up in your pajamas on the laziest of mornings. The banana and coconut milk blend into a thick, creamy pudding-like batter that clings beautifully to the bread, creating a golden crust while keeping the inside fluffy and tender. A touch of maple syrup, a swirl of cinnamon, and oh my! This vegan French toast will wow even the biggest skeptic.
Why This Vegan French Toast Is a Guaranteed Hit
- Quick and easy: You need just 7 simple ingredients and the recipe comes together with minimal time and effort.
- The perfect texture: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, just how we like it!
- Better than regular French toast: The flavor of this vegan French toast recipe is SO much better than the traditional version thanks to the tasty coconut milk and banana custard.
Vegan French Toast Ingredients
- Banana: Naturally sweet and creamy base. Don't like banana? Swap it for cornstarch and plant-based milk for the same thickening power-without the banana flavor.
- Coconut milk: For a rich, custard-like flavor. I love the coconut-banana combo, but you can also use vegan heavy cream or opt for soy, oat, or almond milk for a lighter version.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds sweetness and that classic breakfast touch.
- Vanilla extract & cinnamon: For yumminess.
- Bread: Sturdy, slightly stale bread slices work best so it can soak up the batter without falling apart. Great options include sourdough, French bread, baguette, ciabatta, and thick-cut sandwich bread. For a more decadent version, try vegan brioche. Gluten-free bread also works-just choose a firm brand.
- Light oil: For crisping and preventing sticking in the pan.
- Toppings: Try extra maple syrup, a pat of vegan butter, vegan whipped cream, or fresh berries.
How to Make Vegan French Toast
- Make the French toast batter: Puree the banana, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon and pour into a dish.
- Preheat the pan: Preheat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Dip the bread: One at a time, dip the bread into the batter, coating both sides.
- Cook the French Toast: Swirl the oil in the pan and once it's warm, place the bread into the hot pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Wipe the pan between batches and if needed, add more oil between batches.
Tips and Variations
- Keep it from being soggy: Soggy French toast usually means the bread was too soft or soaked too long. Use slightly stale, firm bread and dip quickly, just enough to coat. Also make sure your pan is fully preheated so the toast sears right away.
- Prevent it from sticking: Use a high-quality non-stick pan or well-seasoned griddle, and make sure it's fully preheated before adding oil. To check if your pan is ready, flick a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates immediately, the pan is hot enough. If it just sits there and bubbles slowly, give it another minute or two. You want the pan hot, but not smoking. Wipe the pan clean between batches, and always add fresh oil if needed.
- Cook it in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the basket, place battered slices inside (don't overcrowd), and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not get as golden as pan-frying, but vegan French toast in the air fryer is still super tasty.
What to Serve with Vegan French Toast
- Maple syrup, vegan butter, powdered sugar, or fresh berries
- Homemade Vegan Whipped Cream
- Vegan Tofu Bacon
- Hearty Tofu Scramble
- Vegan Breakfast Sausage Patties
- Tofu Scramble Spice Mix
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Transfer leftover vegan French toast to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Once cooked and cooled, lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Reheat in a toaster, oven, or air fryer until hot and crisp.
If you try this vegan French toast recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram so I can see your brunch masterpiece!
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Vegan French Toast
The Best Vegan French Toast is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and irresistibly rich and decadent. Made with banana and coconut milk (with easy substitutions available), this easy vegan French toast recipe comes together in minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. Because lazy mornings and golden, fluffy French toast are a match made in heaven.
Servings:
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Ingredients
- 1 large banana, (or sub with ½ cup plant-based milk + 2 tablespoons cornstarch)
- ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk or vegan heavy cream, (or opt for soy, oat, or almond milk for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, (plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, (optional)
- 1 tablespoon light oil, for frying (more if needed)
- 4 - 6 slices slightly stale, firm bread, (gluten-free if preferred)
Instructions
- Make the Batter: In a blender or food processor, add the banana, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a shallow, wide bowl that fits a slice of bread.
- Preheat the Pan: Preheat a high-quality non-stick pan over medium heat. Before adding oil, check that it's hot by flicking a drop of water into the pan-it should sizzle and evaporate immediately. A properly preheated pan helps prevent sticking.
- Dip the Bread: Quickly dip a slice of bread into the batter, coating both sides. Do not soak, as this can make the toast soggy.
- Cook the French Toast: Swirl the oil in the pan and let it heat up. Place the coated bread directly into the hot pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Wipe the pan between batches to remove any burnt bits. If needed, add more oil between batches.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with maple syrup, fresh fruit, vegan butter, or any toppings of choice. Keep cooked slices warm in a 200°F (90°C) oven while cooking the rest.
Notes
What kind of bread is best for vegan French toast?
Sturdy, slightly stale bread slices work best so it can soak up the batter without falling apart. Great options include sourdough, French bread, baguette, ciabatta, and thick-cut sandwich bread. For a more decadent version, try vegan brioche. Gluten-free bread also works-just choose a firm brand.
Sturdy, slightly stale bread slices work best so it can soak up the batter without falling apart. Great options include sourdough, French bread, baguette, ciabatta, and thick-cut sandwich bread. For a more decadent version, try vegan brioche. Gluten-free bread also works-just choose a firm brand.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving (recipe makes 4 servings) | Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 161mg | Potassium: 269mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 157IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 3mg
Barbara says
This is so easy and really really good. I have made this
aeveral times. Thanks Sam!!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wonderful, Barbara!
Marci says
This is one of my favorite breakfasts to splurge on. I love it even more than traditional French toast. I was never a fan of the eggy parts of French toast, so this is perfect.
Sandy Wolff says
I use only coffee creamer and bananas, and dip cinnamon raisin swirl bread. Wow!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Wow is right! Sounds tasty!
Pam says
Can I freeze these?
Deb Z says
Hi Sam!
What can I sub for the coconut milk. Avoid the stuff whenever possible.
Sam Turnbull says
Any plant-based creamer should work. Enjoy!
David Greer says
When frying, the trick to avoid that delicious, crunchy skin from peeling off the toast like a summer sunburn is to caramelize the sugar—burn it into the toast—and use chopsticks to flip. Also, eat leftover batter using your fingers. If you slurp it up using a spoon, you'll get unwanted calories
Doug says
Best French Toast ever! They were so good. Just a hint of banana. We served them with fresh raspberries and of course some more real maple syrup. Your recipes never disappoint us. Thanks for sharing.
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful!!! Thrilled you loved them, Doug!
Olivia says
It was so good topped with blueberries, maple sugar and sprinkle of cinnamon powder.. servef with the vegan scrambled egg and vegan bacon which I all cooked for the first time as I was craving a big vegan brunch. I used to make vegan french toast but with almond milk and chia as binder. Yours was chewy crusty and yummy! Will make it again this week. I rally enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing this continental vegan breakfast!
David Greer says
Thanks for making our Sunday mornings so much more pleasant! Unless it's for a good cause, I usually swap coconut milk for something less fatty, but in this case, the fat was for a very good cause!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! Amazing 🙂
Crystal says
I had to use almond milk because that’s all I had due to shortages related to the pandemic. I will probably try using only 1/2 cup next time. The bread I had was fresh so I did a light toast to crisp them up a bit without changing the color. I also chose to bake them instead. 350° for 30 minutes flipping halfway through. They came out quite good. Like a cross between banana bread and French toast.
Jessica says
My family loves this recipe! It’s the best!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! So happy to hear that 🙂