Simple Vegan French Toast
Ready in minutes with just a handful of ingredients, this simple vegan french toast is easy to make and perfect for breakfast and brunch. No eggs required! A must with my Triple Berry Syrup.
This french toast hits the spot every single time. Whether I’m making it for a lazy weekend brunch, dinner for breakfast or a quick weeknight breakfast– we’re always in the mood for french toast!
While french toast typically uses eggs for a custard-like coating, you can get the same results by making a vegan egg with chia seeds! Chia seeds thicken similar to eggs and provide the perfect coating for vegan french toast. Mixed with a little maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla– you won’t know this french toast recipe is completely vegan.
What you’ll need for the best vegan french toast
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds. See notes below for using flax seed to make a flax egg instead.Â
- 1 cup unsweetened milk of choice. I used soy milk, but any non-dairy milk, like almond milk, will also work.
- Maple syrup. Pure maple syrup is my go-to choice for sweetener, but you can also sub in another liquid sweetener, like agave, or regular cane sugar. Â
- Cinnamon & Vanilla extract. If you have it, I like a sprinkle of nutmeg as wellÂ
- French bread, or other bread of choice.Â
- Coconut oil, vegan butter or other oil of choice. Don’t try to make this an oil-free recipe, it won’t work. You need the fat to crisp the outer shell of the bread. This is what makes great french toast! An eggy middle with a golden brown, crusty outer.
Can I sub in ground flaxseeds for chia seeds?
I like the flavor of chia seeds, but flax seeds will also work. Because flax meal is already ground, you don’t need to add it to the blender first. Instead, mix it with the rest of the ingredients and let the liquid mixture sit for ~5 minutes to firm up before you dip in the bread.
How to make this vegan french toast recipe
Here’s how to make our favorite french toast!
Start by placing the chia seeds in a blender and pulse 8-10 times to gently break down the seeds.
Next, add in the milk, syrup, cinnamon and vanilla extract and puree again until blended. The mixture will be a little grey because of the chia seeds, but don’t worry- the toast will still cook up nice and golden brown!
Pour the milk mixture into a large shallow dish or bowl and let the batter sit for a few minutes until just thickened.
Add in a slice of bread to the mixture to submerge and cover, then repeat with as many slices as can fit. While the bread is soaking, heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Add the bread and pan fry for ~3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Continue with the rest of the bread, adding more oil to the pan as needed. Serve with toppings of choice.
What toppings are best?
I love this french toast most with my triple berry syrup, a dollop of coconut yogurt and more fresh berries on top, like sliced strawberries or blueberries.
You can also go the classic route with maple syrup and more butter. My husband is fan of peanut butter, a smidge of maple syrup and fresh sliced bananas.
When I make french toast, it’s usually a weekend treat for the family. For holidays or other big events when we have company then I’ll serve this french toast alongside other breakfast favorites like a veggie scramble, fruit salad and vegetarian sausage.
Storage Tips
This french toast is best right out of the skillet, but if you have any leftovers then I’d recommend placing in an airtight container in the fridge.
To reheat, warm a skillet over medium heat and pan fry until warmed through, then serve with your toppings of choice.
More Vegan Breakfasts:
If you like this french toast recipe, you’ll love these other breakfast recipes.
Lemonade Strawberry Scones
Orange Olive Oil Cake
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Vegan Sourdough Waffles
Cranberry Orange Bread
Vegan Eggs Benedict with Asparagus
If you try this recipe for simple vegan french toast, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking!
Simple Vegan French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk or other non-dairy milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and vanilla extract
- 8 to 10 slices French bread or other bread of choice
- Coconut oil, vegan butter or other oil for pan frying the bread
- Preferred toppings, like my Triple Berry Syrup
Instructions
- Place the chia seeds in a blender and pulse 8-10 times to gently break down the seeds. Add in the milk, syrup, cinnamon and vanilla extract and puree again until blended. The mixture will be a little grey because of the chia seeds, but don’t worry- the toast will still cook up nice and golden brown!
- Pour the milk mixture into a shallow large bowl and let sit for a few minutes until just thickened.
- Add in the bread a few slices at a time to submerge and cover.
- While the bread is soaking, heat a thin layer of oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Add the bread and cook ~3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Continue with the rest of the bread, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
- Serve with toppings of choice.