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
Catrin says
I love this bread, comes close to grandma's from Sicily. I rise at room temp, be aware time is temp dependent, so learn to judge by size not time. After second rising I split in two, roll each piece out and twist around my index finger to make a circle. I then pinch outside piece to hold shape, and razor 3 cuts , one down each side a third of the way around,about 1inch deep..while still holding on your finger. I make these ( as grandma did) to make a round loaf with several "rolls" that can be broken off while steamy hot. This prevents compressing the hot bread if you try to cut it hot. Please note round loaves take 10 min more to bake. You can also do away with the cornmeal and pizza stone if you use well seasoned bread pans( I have my grandma' s 50 year old heavy pie tins that she had someone drill holes in the bottom). I place the loaves in them for the second rising after making the razor cuts above, and cover with dishcloths. Grandmas were made out of flour sacs....
Melanie says
When I became a vegan, I was sure I'd never experience my breakfast favorite ever again because of the eggs in the regular recipe... THANK YOU AO MUCH FOR THIS PEARL OF WISDOM!!!!! I just tried it and my family and I LOVE IT! The hubby was satisfied, my princess is all syrup-y from digging her hands in the bowl and going full fledged, and my soon to be son (still in gestation) is doing flips of delight! A+ recipe! I only used almond milk because we were out of coconut milk can't wait to try it with coconut milk next time!
Sam says
Yay! So happy you and your family love the recipe so much Melanie! 🙂
Marisa says
I am new to Vegan. My husband has an autoimmune disease and we are going vegan to see if it helps. Can you please clarify something for me that I may have missed... is butter vegan or are you referring to a butter substitute of some kind? Thanks and can't wait to try this as a french toast bake!
Sam says
Congratulations on your new vegan adventure Marisa! Butter is not vegan, I am referring to a vegan butter substitute. There are many different brands but my favourite is Earth Balance. Hope that helps and let me know if you have any more questions or need any support 🙂
Sarah says
Any way this could be turned into a French toast bake? I'm lazy and want throw everything in the oven!
Sam says
I don't see why it wouldn't work. If you give it a try, let us know how it turns out!
Yvie says
Hi Sam,
I want to start by saying that I HAVE NEVER BEEN A FRENCH TOAST PERSON, there, I said it. But since I have changed over to a plant based diet, I am constantly on the hunt for vegan recipes, and when I LOOKED at yours it was speaking to me, very loudly I must add. So I took a leap of faith and tried my hand at making the Vegan French Toast, it was ok, that's cause I over cooked it, but it was good enough to make a second time, and OH MY... It was just awesome! The batter was almost a smoothie for me. Thank you so much for coming up with and posting such an easy, healthy and tasty recipe. I am craving more as I speak. By the way, my husband loved it, too.
Sam says
Awww Yvie, that's awesome!!!
So happy I have made you into a french toast person! 😀
Jessica Hermiller says
Here is my UPDATE: I have been making this recipe for several Saturdays becuase its awesome. However I am always left with extra "batter". So I experimented and froze it to see if it would. ..and it does...really well! Also I'm a perfectionist so I now make a double batch freeze in ice cube trays. One cube for one piece of bread!! So now you can make it for how ever many pieces you want! YATZEE!
Sam says
That's awesome!!! Thanks so much for updating us Jessica, I love the ice cube tray idea 🙂
Jessica says
I love this recipe!!!i have been using it every Saturday. Quick question...have you ever frozen the leftover batter for another day? Do you think it would work??thanks again
Sam says
Aww that's great!
I haven't tried that, but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. If you give it a go, let us know how it turns out for you 🙂
Nat says
Can we just use regular milk in
substitution of almond? And Pam instead of butter in the pan?
Sam says
Hi Nat,
You can use any kind of milk such as soy milk, rice milk, and cashew milk. If by "regular" you mean cows milk, I haven't tried that because it isn't vegan. You could try a Pam spray (check that the ingredients are vegan), you could also just use a light oil such as canola.
Anonymous says
mine are coming out a but sloppy and gooey. i am using a cast iron and lightly dipping my bread into the mix. However i am using regular honey wheat bread... does it have to be thick bread?
thanks in advance.
Sam says
I often use day old or stale bread for french toast, that way the bread is dry enough that it doesn't get soggy. I hope that helps!
Nikki says
We made it and loved it but it was gooey in the center. What do we do wrong??
Sam says
Hi Nikki,
There are two things that could be the problem. The first is you may have soaked the bread in the banana coconut mixture too long. If it sits in there for too long it can get soggy. If you don't think that was the problem, than it's likely you cooked them at a bit too high of temperature. If you lower the temperature it will have a chance to cook all the way through without burning on the outside. Hope that helps! Glad you liked the recipes anyways 🙂
Margaret Michael says
I made today for breakfast and they were great! I used fresh oat-nut bread and just put a thin layer on - added almond milk, flour and a pinch of baking powder to the leftover batter and made crepes for dessert tonight! Am pinning now so I don't lose the recipe!
Samantha Turnbull says
Oh I love your idea for crepes Margaret!! Genius! Will have to try that myself.
adam says
Just made this with my mother, Incredible! We had coconut cream on hand so I added hemp milk to adjust consistency and we cooked them in coconut oil. It is the best french toast I've ever had. Served with lots of fresh fruit. Delicious
Samantha Turnbull says
Hi adam! Yay! I am so glad you loved this recipe and were able to adapt it with the ingredients you had. Now you are making me want french toast and lots of fruit!
Gewanda says
Best French toast I've EVER tasted!! Kudos!!!!
Samantha Turnbull says
Awww yay! Thanks Gawanda! So glad you loved it so much. Thank you for making my day! 🙂
Chase says
Delicious! Thanks for the recipe. Loved it.
Samantha Turnbull says
You're welcome! So glad you enjoyed it Chase. Thanks for the coming back and leaving a comment 🙂
Robyn says
I fixed my french toast this morning, but fried it in virgin coconut oil and it was the best!
Chloe says
Did you use full fat coconut milk or the light version?
itdoesnttastelikechicken says
Hi Chloe,
I used full fat. It makes it super luxurious and creamy. If you prefer light tho, you could use that.
SassyLassie says
Is it just me that found weird that butter is used for frying the pancakes which are supposed to be vegan?
Sam Turnbull says
Vegan butter! You can buy different brands, but my fav is Earth Balance.
Raquel Parker says
I used that VEGG product to make french toast and holy guacamole--- it was the BEST! I tried another recipe before that with bananas and i didn't love it. If Vegg wasn't so expensive I would definitely have that more often. You ever used it?
itdoesnttastelikechicken says
Hi Raquel,
I haven't tried vegg yet. I generally like to use whole foods that are easy to find and have on hand. That being said, earth balance is definitely not a whole food! So I'm not that picky about it. Would love to try vegg tho. Always into new vegan things, I will pick some up the next time I see it! Thanks for the recommendation!
Amber says
It was the consistency of pudding or mousse because I probably put too much coconut milk in it. Also, I can't have butter, so it was lacking that flavor, however, I would make it again!
Samantha Turnbull says
Hi Amber,
Was it the dip that was the consistency of pudding, or the finished French toast? If it was the dip, that's perfect consistency. If it was the finished toast, try using a dryer bread (stale bread), and don't let it sit in the dip. Just a quick dip, and shake off excess. Hope that helps!
Amber says
The dip was like pudding.Thanks!
VegansFriend (@VegansFriend) says
i used to enjoy french toast way back when so I tried an egg replacer and it wasn't the same 🙁 so i decided rather then try and copy eggy bread exactly I'd try your recipe!
I'm afraid I couldn't bring myself to use stale bread though :O and I didn't have any cinnamon either. AND i used vegetable oil instead of vegan marg.... but it was still pretty darn tasty!!! I'll have to try and make it again 'properly' sometime...
Sam says
Hahaha! Awesome! The stale bread will just suck up the juices better, but it is isn't mandatory, and vegan butter will just help get that buttery flavour on the outside. So glad you liked it!!
Carolyn Newman says
Holy cinnamon!
Sam says
Haha! Nah, it's just a shake. Probably no more than a teaspoon. But I also know that I like cinnamon more than you! haha