Are French Toasts Vegan? An Ingredient Guide to the Classic Breakfast

According to a 2020 study by the Vegan Society, around 1% of the world's population identifies as vegan, a number that continues to grow, prompting many to ask: are French toasts vegan? The short answer is no, traditional French toast is not vegan, as it relies on eggs and milk, but a plant-based version is simple to prepare.

Quick Summary

Traditional French toast recipes contain eggs and milk, making them non-vegan. However, it is simple to create a delicious, plant-based version using readily available substitutes for the classic dairy and egg batter. Key components like plant-based milk, tofu, or chia seeds can replace animal products for a perfect vegan breakfast.

Key Points

• Traditional French Toast is Not Vegan: Recipes typically contain eggs and milk, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet.

• Vegan Versions are Simple to Make: Delicious plant-based French toast can be created using widely available substitutes.

• Tofu is an Excellent Egg Replacement: Blended silken tofu provides a creamy, custard-like texture, mimicking the role of eggs effectively.

• Flaxseed or Cornstarch Can Also Bind: For those without tofu, ground flaxseed or cornstarch mixed with plant milk act as effective binders.

• Choose a Sturdy Bread: A thick-cut or slightly stale bread like sourdough works best to hold the batter and prevent sogginess.

• Kala Namak Mimics Egg Flavor: A pinch of black salt can add a distinct eggy flavor if desired.

• Customize Your Toppings: Fresh fruits, vegan butter, and maple syrup are classic vegan toppings.

Why Traditional French Toast is Not Vegan

Traditional French toast is made by soaking slices of bread in a batter of whisked eggs and milk before pan-frying until golden brown. Eggs act as a binder, creating a rich custard-like texture and helping the crust to caramelize. Milk or cream adds a luxurious moisture and richness. Since veganism excludes all animal products, including eggs and dairy, this classic dish in its standard form is not suitable for a plant-based diet. The good news is that many flavorful and texturally-comparable vegan alternatives are available that can recreate the magic of French toast without any animal ingredients.

The Role of Eggs and Dairy in Classic French Toast

• Eggs: The primary function of eggs in French toast batter is to bind the ingredients and create a custard-like consistency when cooked. They provide both fat and protein, contributing to a soft interior and golden, slightly crispy exterior.
• Milk/Cream: Dairy milk adds moisture and creaminess to the batter, preventing the toast from becoming dry. Its fat content also enriches the flavor profile.

Creating Delicious Vegan Alternatives

Replacing eggs and dairy in French toast is easier than you might think, with many common plant-based ingredients serving as excellent substitutes. The goal is to replicate the binding, richness, and golden crust that traditional ingredients provide.

Common Vegan Substitutes for French Toast

To create a vegan French toast batter, you will need a liquid base, a binding agent, and flavorings.

Liquid Base

• Soy Milk: Often recommended for its higher protein and fat content, which closely mimics dairy milk.
• Oat Milk: Creates a creamy and rich batter, though it's important to use a thicker brand for best results.
• Almond or Cashew Milk: Lighter in flavor, these milks work well but may require more binder to achieve the right consistency.
• Coconut Milk: Especially canned full-fat coconut milk, can produce a rich, decadent custard.

Binding Agents (Egg Replacers)

• Silken Tofu: Blended until smooth, silken tofu is an exceptional egg substitute, adding protein and helping to create that authentic creamy custard texture.
• Flaxseed Meal or Chia Seeds: When combined with liquid and left to sit, these seeds form a gelatinous mixture that acts as a binder. Flaxseed meal is a popular choice for this purpose.
• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: These starches help to thicken the batter and contribute to a golden, slightly crispy finish.
• Chickpea Flour: Adds protein and helps with binding, creating a crispy crust when fried.
• Mashed Banana: Adds natural sweetness and a custardy texture, though it will impart a subtle banana flavor.

Flavorings and Fats

• Kala Namak (Black Salt): For those who desire a genuinely eggy flavor, a pinch of kala namak is the perfect secret ingredient.
• Vegan Butter and Oil: Frying the toast in a combination of vegan butter and a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed oil helps to achieve a rich flavor and a beautifully caramelized exterior.
• Spices: The classic combination of cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg is still essential for capturing the familiar French toast flavor.

Vegan vs. Traditional French Toast Comparison

Feature	Traditional French Toast	Vegan French Toast (using tofu)
Key Binding Agent	Eggs	Silken Tofu, Flaxseed, or Cornstarch
Liquid Base	Dairy Milk or Cream	Plant-Based Milk (Soy, Oat, etc.)
Custard Texture	Creamy, set by eggs	Blended tofu mimics this richness closely
Flavor Profile	Rich and savory from eggs and butter	Can be customized with vegan butter and spices; Kala namak adds an eggy taste
Caramelization	Result of protein and sugars in eggs and milk	Achieved through starches and sugars in the batter reacting with heat
Required Ingredients	Standard pantry staples plus eggs and dairy	Requires specific vegan alternatives, which are widely available

How to Make Vegan French Toast: A Quick Recipe Guide

Making vegan French toast is straightforward and doesn't require a lot of special equipment. Here’s a simple recipe using silken tofu and soy milk as the base.

1. Prepare the Batter: In a blender, combine 12 ounces of drained silken tofu, 1 ½ cups of unsweetened soy milk, 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter, 5 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Add a pinch of kala namak if you want an eggy flavor. Blend until perfectly smooth. Stir in 2 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot powder for extra crispiness.
2. Select Your Bread: Choose a sturdy, thick-cut bread like sourdough or a firm white loaf. Day-old bread is ideal as it soaks up the batter without getting soggy. Toasting the bread lightly beforehand can also help.
3. Soak the Bread: Pour the batter into a shallow dish. Dip each bread slice into the batter, soaking both sides for about 30 seconds, or until saturated but not falling apart.
4. Cook to Perfection: Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat with a mix of vegan butter and a neutral oil. Cook the battered bread slices for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and caramelized.
5. Serve and Top: Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, sliced bananas, a pat of vegan butter, or a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

Conclusion: Enjoying Plant-Based French Toast

While classic French toast is not vegan due to its use of eggs and dairy, it is incredibly easy to make a delicious, plant-based version that is just as satisfying. By substituting animal products with ingredients like tofu, flaxseed, and plant-based milks, you can achieve the same creamy, custardy interior and golden, crispy exterior. From savory to sweet, the versatility of vegan French toast makes it a perfect, cruelty-free option for breakfast or brunch. Experiment with different plant-based milks and binding agents to find your perfect recipe.

Vegan French Toast - Rainbow Plant Life

What to Consider When Making French Toast Vegan

• Bread Choice: Select a thick, sturdy bread, as thinner slices may become too soggy. Sourdough or day-old rustic bread is a great option.
• Batter Consistency: Allow the batter to sit for a few minutes if using flax or chia seeds to let it thicken. For a custardy texture, silken tofu works best.
• Frying Method: Use a nonstick skillet and a blend of vegan butter and oil for the best caramelization and to prevent sticking.
• Toppings: Enhance your vegan French toast with fresh fruits, coconut whipped cream, or maple syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any plant-based milk for vegan French toast?

Yes, you can use various plant-based milks, such as soy, oat, or almond milk. Soy and oat milk are often preferred for their higher protein and fat content, which creates a richer, creamier batter.

What is the best bread for vegan French toast?

A thick, sturdy bread like sourdough, French bread, or day-old rustic white bread is recommended. Thin, soft bread can become too soggy when soaked in the batter.

What can I use instead of eggs for vegan French toast?

Popular egg substitutes include blended silken tofu for a creamy custard, a mixture of flaxseed meal and water for binding, or cornstarch/arrowroot powder for a crispy texture.

How do I get that classic eggy flavor in vegan French toast?

To replicate the eggy flavor, add a small pinch of kala namak, or Indian black salt, to your batter. This ingredient has a high sulfur content that naturally mimics the taste of eggs.

Can I make French toast without a specific egg substitute?

Yes, you can use mashed banana to both sweeten and thicken the batter, though it will give the French toast a banana flavor. Alternatively, simply thickening plant-based milk with a bit of cornstarch can suffice.

Is the bread in French toast always vegan?

No, some bread varieties like brioche and challah contain eggs and dairy. Always check the ingredients list to ensure the bread you choose is vegan.

How can I prevent my vegan French toast from becoming soggy?

Using sturdy, slightly dry bread and not over-soaking the slices is key. Frying in a hot pan with a combination of vegan butter and oil will also help create a caramelized crust.