I hadn’t had French toast since I went vegan. It wasn’t for lack of trying—I’d scrolled through countless recipes, all promising the same crispy, golden perfection I remembered from before. None of them felt right. Too many strange ingredients, too much effort, or they just didn’t deliver. So, I gave up, telling myself it was a small sacrifice for a bigger cause.
But then, one day, inspiration struck. I started experimenting with my own recipe, keeping it simple and using pantry staples I knew would work. Buckwheat flour, plant milk, a pinch of cinnamon, and the magical addition of kala namak for that eggy flavor. It wasn’t complicated, and it could even be made gluten-free if needed (see note 1).
When I dipped the first slice of bread into the batter and laid it in the sizzling pan, the aroma hit me. It smelled just like the French toast I’d grown up with. I couldn’t help but smile as the edges turned golden brown, crisping to perfection.
I plated it with a mix of toppings: vegan yogurt and fruit on some, vegan cheese and chives on others. The first bite was everything I’d hoped for—soft, flavorful, and comforting in a way I hadn’t experienced in years!
This wasn’t just French toast; it was my French toast, and it was proof that going vegan didn’t mean giving up the things I loved. I’d finally brought back a piece of my past, on my own terms, and it was better than ever.
Now, French toast is back on the menu in my home, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of how simple, plant-based food can still create the same joy.
Vegan French Toast
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 large non-stick pan
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp buckwheat flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp coconut sugar (or other kind)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp black Indian salt (kala namak)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional)
- 1/2 tbsp semolina flour (optional)
- 3/4 cup plant milk
- 4 slices of bread (I used spelt sandwich bread, see note 1 for gf option.)
- Vegan butter (for frying)
- Toppings of choice
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter – In a mixing bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth. Stir the batter well to prevent the cornstarch from settling at the bottom, and continue stirring occasionally during the process.
- Ready the Batter for Dipping – Pour the batter into a wide, shallow bowl to make it easy to dip the bread slices.
- Heat the Pan – Heat a large non-stick pan over high heat. Add a generous amount of vegan butter to coat the surface.
- Dip and Fry – Dip each slice of bread into the batter, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Place the slices in the hot pan. Repeat until the pan is full.
- Cook Until Golden – Fry the bread for approximately 8 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Flip each slice and cook the other side for about 4 minutes.
- Fry Remaining Slices – For additional slices, add more vegan butter as needed to maintain the perfect fry.
- Add Toppings – Once cooked, top your French toast with your favorite toppings. For a sweet option, try vegan yogurt, fresh fruits, and a drizzle of maple syrup. For a savory twist, add a slice of vegan cheese, a dollop of yogurt, and chopped chives.
Video
Notes
- The recipe can easily be made gluten-free by replacing the bread with slices of gluten-free bread.
