French toast is a beloved breakfast dish, but traditionally it contains eggs, milk, and butter. Luckily, you can easily make a plant-based version that’s just as delicious, if not more so! This Vegan Baked French Toast is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a rich cinnamon flavor and a hint of vanilla. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings, and it pairs wonderfully with maple syrup, fresh fruit, and your favorite vegan toppings.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the French Toast:
8 slices of thick, sturdy bread (sourdough, challah, or a whole grain bread work best)
1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (to replace eggs)
2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (for color, optional)
Pinch of salt
For the Topping (optional but recommended):
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds (optional)
Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
Maple syrup or powdered sugar for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Prepare the Flax Egg:
In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with the water. Stir well and set aside for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken. This mixture will act as the egg replacement, binding the ingredients together.
2.Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
3.Prepare the French Toast Soak:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric (if using), and a pinch of salt. Add the flax egg to the mixture and stir until fully combined.
4.Soak the Bread:
Take each slice of bread and dip it into the mixture, making sure to coat both sides well. Let the bread soak for about 30 seconds per side. If your bread is a bit stale, it will absorb the mixture better, but if it’s too fresh, you may want to let it sit in the liquid a little longer for the best texture.
5.Arrange the Bread in the Baking Dish:
Once each slice is soaked, arrange the bread slices in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. You can overlap them slightly, but make sure they’re evenly distributed to ensure even cooking.
6.Bake the French Toast:
Once all the bread is arranged in the dish, pour any remaining soaking liquid over the top of the bread. Use a spoon or spatula to press the bread down slightly so it absorbs the liquid.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
7.Add Toppings (Optional):
While the French toast is baking, toast the chopped nuts in a small skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, just until golden and fragrant (optional but recommended).
Once the French toast is done baking, remove it from the oven and top with your toasted nuts, fresh berries, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
With Fruit: Top your baked French toast with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or sautéed apples and cinnamon for extra sweetness and nutrition.
With Vegan Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of vegan whipped cream on top for an indulgent touch.
With Nut Butters: Serve with almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for extra creaminess and protein.
With Maple Syrup: For the ultimate breakfast treat, drizzle with real maple syrup or a vegan caramel sauce.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Baked French Toast
Stale Bread is Key: The best bread for French toast is thick, slightly stale bread. Fresh bread tends to get too soggy and doesn’t hold up as well when soaked. If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly before using it in the recipe.
Customize the Flavors: You can adjust the spices to suit your taste. Add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth or a dash of ginger for a spicier kick.
Make It Your Own: This baked French toast is highly customizable. You can add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even vegan cream cheese between the layers for a decadent twist.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the French toast the night before. Assemble the bread in the baking dish, pour over the soak mixture, and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge overnight, and simply bake it the next morning for an easy, stress-free breakfast.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the French toast slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Baked French Toast
Vegan-Friendly: Free of eggs and dairy, making it suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.
Rich in Fiber: Whole-grain bread adds fiber to your breakfast, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Antioxidants and Vitamins: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and turmeric provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while the fruit toppings add extra vitamins and nutrients.
Healthy Fats: Nuts and seeds provide a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making this dish not only delicious but also nutrient-dense.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, without toppings):
Calories: ~220-250
Protein: 4-6 grams
Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
Fat: 7-9 grams
Fiber: 3-4 grams
Sugar: 10-12 grams (from maple syrup and fruit)
Conclusion
This Vegan Baked French Toast is the ultimate comfort food – warm, sweet, and satisfying, without the need for eggs or dairy. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for serving to family and friends on any special occasion or even just a cozy weekend breakfast. Whether you top it with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, this dish is sure to become a breakfast favorite!