Custardy Vegan French Toast (No Eggs, No Banana)
This vegan French toast has a crisp, golden crust and a soft, custardy center. No eggs, no banana.
A simple batter of chickpea flour and cornstarch thickens as it cooks, giving you that classic French toast texture in under 30 minutes.
What Makes This French Toast Work
I’ve tried a lot of vegan French toast recipes, and most end up soggy or taste like banana bread. This one gives you a properly crisp exterior and a soft middle, without any fruity undertones.
The chickpea flour and cornstarch create a batter that clings to the bread and sets up just like egg. It holds well in the pan and doesn’t turn gummy.
Plus, it’s fast enough for a weekday breakfast and sturdy enough for a lazy weekend brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: or any plain, unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup chickpea flour: also labeled garbanzo bean flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: helps create a crisp coating
- 1 tbsp maple syrup: for a hint of sweetness in the batter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: the classic French toast spice
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric: adds that golden egg color, optional but recommended
- Pinch of black salt (kala namak): gives a subtle eggy taste, optional
- Pinch of regular salt: balances the sweetness
- 8 thick slices of day-old bread: sourdough, French bread, or challah (check it’s vegan)
- 1 to 2 tbsp vegan butter or neutral oil: for frying
Variations / Substitutions
- Gluten-free: use your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread. The batter is naturally gluten-free.
- Nut-free: swap almond milk for oat or soy milk.
- No chickpea flour: you can use all-purpose flour, but the batter will be thinner. Increase cornstarch to 2 tbsp and flour to 1/4 cup.
- Spice swap: try a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom instead of cinnamon.
If you like this, you might also enjoy our Vegan Banana Pancakes.
How To Make Vegan French Toast
Step 1: Whisk the Batter
Set a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and let it warm while you make the batter. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the 1 cup almond milk, 1/4 cup chickpea flour, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp turmeric, pinch of black salt, and pinch of regular salt until smooth and no lumps remain.
The batter should be the consistency of a thin pancake batter and a warm golden color. It will thicken slightly as it sits.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Dip one slice of bread into the batter. Let it sit for about 15 seconds per side, so the bread absorbs the liquid but doesn’t get mushy.
The bread will feel heavy and saturated, but not falling apart. Give it a gentle shake to let excess drip off, then place it on a plate while you repeat with the remaining slices.
Step 3: Fry the French Toast
Add about 1 teaspoon of vegan butter or oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Place the soaked bread in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
You’ll hear a gentle sizzle when it hits the pan. The edges will look set and the underside will be deeply golden before you flip.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Transfer the French toast to plates. Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
The finished slices will be crisp on the outside with a tender, custard-like interior. Serve right away while they’re still hot and the crust is at its crispest.
A Few Tips for the Best French Toast
- Use stale bread: fresh bread can turn too soggy. If yours is fresh, pop it in a toaster for a minute to dry it out a bit before soaking.
- Let the batter rest: after whisking, let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the chickpea flour to hydrate fully and the batter to thicken.
- Keep the pan at a steady medium heat: if the toast browns too fast, lower it a notch. If it’s taking longer than 4 minutes per side, bump it up slightly.
- For extra crispness: cook the French toast in a little more vegan butter than you think you need, almost shallow-frying the slices.
Cook times can vary depending on your pan material and heat level.
| Pan Type | Approx. Cook Time Per Side |
|---|---|
| Nonstick | 3 to 4 minutes |
| Cast Iron | 2 to 3 minutes |
| Stainless Steel | 4 to 5 minutes |
What To Serve With Vegan French Toast
Serve with a side of vegan sausage or tempeh bacon for a savory contrast that balances the sweetness. A simple fruit salad with a squeeze of lime juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness. For a brunch spread, pile on coconut whipped cream and a warm berry compote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my vegan French toast soggy?
Soggy French toast usually happens when the bread soaks too long or the pan isn’t hot enough. Keep soak times brief and the heat at a steady medium.
Can I bake this instead of frying?
You can, but the texture won’t be as crisp. Arrange soaked slices on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I use banana instead of chickpea flour?
Banana tends to make the batter too wet and the texture more like a fruit pancake. For a classic French toast, chickpea flour is what you want.
How do I keep the French toast warm for a crowd?
Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you fry the rest. They’ll stay warm and crisp without drying out.
Vegan French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together almond milk, chickpea flour, cornstarch, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, turmeric, black salt, and regular salt until smooth.
- Dip bread slices into the batter, letting each soak for about 15 seconds per side, then let excess drip off.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add a teaspoon of vegan butter or oil, and cook soaked bread for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Serve immediately with desired toppings.
