Delicious Vegan Sourdough French Toast: A Gluten-Free & Plant-Based Breakfast

Discover the ultimate plant-based breakfast with this incredible Vegan Sourdough French Toast, made with naturally gluten-free bread. Topped with fresh berries, rich maple syrup, and creamy SunButter, it’s the perfect easy, wholesome, and decadent meal to start your day!

For many years, French Toast wasn’t typically my first choice for breakfast. When faced with the delightful dilemma of choosing between fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles, or golden French toast, the latter often came in third. I always associated French toast with being a bit tricky to perfect and often leading to a less satisfying experience than its equally delicious counterparts. It felt like an endeavor that required too much effort for inconsistent results.

However, my perspective completely shifted when I stumbled upon a truly exceptional vegan and gluten-free sourdough bread. This discovery wasn’t just a simple find; it opened up a whole new culinary world. Suddenly, my kitchen transformed into a haven for crafting delicious toasts, inventive sandwiches, and “bread-centric” remakes of old favorites. After years of consciously avoiding bread, and even starting to believe I simply didn’t enjoy it due to past struggles with finding quality gluten-free and vegan options, I am incredibly relieved and grateful to have been proven wrong. High-quality bread, especially sourdough, is a true delight.

Good bread is undeniably delicious, and the emergence of high-quality vegan and gluten-free options has made it even better and more accessible. And believe me when I say, friends, Vegan Sourdough French Toast isn’t just good—it’s profoundly good. It hits differently, offering a unique blend of tangy sourdough, sweet spiced batter, and an irresistible crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture that stands apart from any other French toast I’ve ever tasted. It’s a revelation for anyone seeking a plant-based breakfast that feels truly indulgent.

This exquisite Vegan French Toast recipe is crafted using that special gluten-free sourdough bread, creating a robust base that can withstand the soaking process without becoming overly soggy. Each thick slice is then perfectly pan-fried to a golden crisp and generously adorned with vibrant fresh berries, a luxurious cascade of pure maple syrup, and a decadent, creamy drizzle of SunButter. It’s a breakfast experience that feels both indulgent and surprisingly wholesome, providing sustained energy without compromise.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to elevate your weekend mornings. It’s the kind of dish you make and proudly share for a truly decadent plant-based breakfast or brunch with loved ones. Once you experience its unparalleled flavor and satisfying texture, I have a strong feeling you’ll find yourself craving Vegan Sourdough French Toast every single day of the week! Prepare to make it a new staple in your breakfast rotation.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Vegan Sourdough French Toast

One of the main reasons I previously shied away from making French toast was the misconception that it was an inherently complex recipe, demanding a chef’s precision. I envisioned a lengthy process, requiring significant mental effort and specialized techniques, only to yield results that might not justify the time and energy invested. How wonderfully wrong I was, especially when it comes to this incredibly simple vegan version!

This recipe comes together with remarkable speed and simplicity, almost as quickly and effortlessly as brewing a pot of coffee and preparing a nourishing bowl of stovetop oats. The beauty lies in its straightforward ingredients and minimal steps. You don’t need exotic items or specialized equipment; just a few pantry staples that transform into something truly extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor for our plant-based French toast.

Here’s a concise list of the fundamental ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing plant-based French toast, along with a brief explanation of their purpose:

• Ground Flaxseed: This is our miraculous vegan egg replacer. When mixed with liquid, ground flaxseed forms a gelatinous consistency, known as a “flax egg.” This gel acts as a binding and thickening agent for our batter, ensuring it coats the bread effectively and holds together during cooking.
• Cornstarch: Working in perfect tandem with the flaxseed, cornstarch further thickens the batter, giving it a smooth, clingy texture. This helps the batter adhere beautifully to the bread slices and contributes significantly to achieving that desirable crispy, golden-brown exterior when cooked. It’s key for that authentic French toast crust.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: This forms the liquid base of our flavorful batter. Using unsweetened almond milk allows us to precisely control the overall sweetness of the dish. While almond milk is a great choice for its neutral flavor, any other plant-based milk such as soy, oat, or cashew milk can also be used successfully, just ensure they are unsweetened varieties.
• Pure Maple Syrup: The primary sweetener for the batter, pure maple syrup infuses it with a classic, warm, and rich caramel-like flavor. Its natural sugars also help with browning the French toast. Always opt for pure maple syrup for the best, most authentic taste, avoiding artificial syrups.
• Ground Cinnamon: A generous touch of ground cinnamon adds a comforting warmth and that quintessential French toast aroma that makes any kitchen feel cozy. You can adjust the amount to your personal preference, or even add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or a pumpkin pie spice blend for extra depth and seasonal flair.
• Vegan Sourdough Bread: This is undoubtedly the star of the show! The unique texture, slightly chewy crumb, and distinctive tangy flavor of sourdough bread are absolutely perfect for French toast. It’s sturdy enough to absorb the batter without falling apart, and its natural fermentation adds a wonderful complexity. Opt for a hearty, thick-cut gluten-free vegan sourdough loaf that won’t become mushy when soaked. The number of slices required will depend on the size and thickness of your chosen bread.
• Vegan Butter: Essential for pan-frying, vegan butter adds a rich, golden crust and imparts an incredibly delicious, buttery flavor to the French toast. It helps achieve a beautiful sizzle and even browning. If vegan butter is unavailable, good quality coconut oil or a neutral cooking oil like avocado oil can be excellent substitutes.

That’s truly all you need! With these simple yet powerful components, you’re well on your way to a delightful, effortless, and unbelievably tasty breakfast experience that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Vegan Sourdough French Toast

Making delicious Vegan Sourdough French Toast is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple and manageable steps. The key to success lies in preparing the batter correctly and then cooking the bread to golden, crispy perfection. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll be enjoying a gourmet breakfast in no time.

1. Preparing the Vegan French Toast Batter

The first and most crucial step is to create our rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured batter. Begin by adding both the cornstarch and ground flaxseed to a spacious mixing bowl. These two ingredients are absolutely vital for our vegan version; together, they form a robust plant-based thickening and binding agent, effectively replacing eggs in traditional French toast recipes. They ensure the batter adheres properly and cooks into a beautiful crust.

Next, slowly incorporate the unsweetened almond milk into the dry ingredients. It’s important to add the milk gradually, a little at a time, while continuously whisking the mixture. This slow addition and constant whisking are critical for preventing lumps from forming and ensuring that the cornstarch fully dissolves into the almond milk, creating a smooth, uniform, and silky consistency. Continue whisking diligently until the mixture is entirely smooth, with no visible clumps of cornstarch or flaxseed. Aim for a consistency similar to a thin pancake batter.

Once your base batter is smooth and lump-free, introduce the pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon. These additions will infuse the batter with its signature sweet and warm spice profile, making it incredibly aromatic. Whisk everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the comforting aroma of cinnamon begins to fill the air, signaling that your batter is almost ready.

Finally, allow the prepared mixture to sit undisturbed for a few minutes, typically 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period is incredibly important as it gives the ground flaxseed time to fully gel up and the cornstarch to completely hydrate. The result will be a slightly thicker, more viscous batter that will cling beautifully to your sourdough slices, ensuring a perfect coating. This step is essential for preventing soggy French toast and guaranteeing a perfectly cooked, flavorful slice every time.

2. Soaking the Sourdough Bread

While your batter is gelling and thickening, place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a generous pat (about 1-2 teaspoons) of vegan butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and coat the pan evenly. The butter should sizzle gently when ready, indicating the perfect temperature for cooking without burning.

Once the skillet is heating and butter is melted, take your slices of vegan sourdough bread and dip them into the prepared batter. Submerge each side of the bread, allowing it to soak for approximately 10-15 seconds. The goal is for the bread to be thoroughly coated in the batter, absorbing enough liquid to become tender and flavorful without turning overly sad or soggy. A good indication is that the bread feels substantial and fully saturated but retains its structural integrity. Avoid over-soaking, which can lead to a mushy texture.

3. Cooking to Golden Perfection

When your skillet is warm and the vegan butter has completely melted and shimmers invitingly, carefully transfer the batter-coated sourdough slices to the pan. If there’s enough room, you can gently swirl each piece to ensure it’s well coated with the melted butter in the pan, which significantly helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown and crispy crust. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and lead to steaming rather than frying.

Cook the Vegan Sourdough French Toast for about 5 to 6 minutes on the first side. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your stove’s heat, the type of pan, and the thickness of your bread, but you’re looking for a rich golden-brown color and a crispy texture to develop. Don’t rush this step; patience will be rewarded with perfectly cooked French toast with incredible flavor and crunch.

Once the first side is beautifully golden, carefully flip each slice using a spatula and cook the second side for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, or until it matches the golden-brown crispness of the first side. You might notice that the first side often takes a little longer to cook and brown than the second. I typically find that about 6 minutes for the initial side and then around 4 minutes for the second side yields the best results, producing French toast that is both beautifully golden and wonderfully crispy throughout. Adjust these times based on your desired level of crispiness and the thickness of your bread. Remove from the pan and proceed with serving immediately.

Flexible Swaps and Creative Substitutions for Your French Toast

This Vegan Sourdough French Toast recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs, pantry availability, and personal preferences without sacrificing flavor or quality. Here are some flexible swaps and substitution ideas to make this recipe truly your own, ensuring it fits perfectly into your plant-based kitchen:

• Fat for Frying: If vegan butter isn’t available or you prefer an alternative for health or taste reasons, you can easily substitute it with other oils. Coconut oil is an excellent choice for its subtle sweetness and its ability to help foods crisp up beautifully and develop a golden color. Alternatively, a neutral-flavored cooking oil like avocado oil or a refined high-heat oil will also work perfectly without imparting any strong flavors, allowing the sourdough and spices to shine through.
• Bread Varieties: While vegan sourdough bread offers a truly unique flavor and texture profile that I highly recommend for its tanginess and sturdy structure, this recipe is quite forgiving and will work well with various other types of bread. Feel free to use any sturdy vegan and gluten-free bread you have on hand, such as a hearty sandwich bread, a rustic country loaf, or even a thick-cut artisanal bread. The key is to select a bread that can absorb the batter without disintegrating or becoming too mushy. If you are not following a gluten-free diet, traditional sourdough, challah, or brioche-style bread (vegan versions, of course) will also be incredibly delicious!
• Plant-Based Milks: Unsweetened almond milk is my go-to for this recipe due to its neutral flavor and light consistency, which allows the other ingredients to stand out. However, any plant-based milk can be used as a substitute. Soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or even a thinner, unsweetened coconut milk (from a carton, not canned full-fat coconut milk) would work equally well. Just ensure whichever milk you choose is unsweetened to maintain precise control over the overall sweetness of your French toast.
• Thickening Agents (Cornstarch & Flaxseed): The combination of cornstarch and ground flaxseed is crucial for creating the perfect egg-free, gelatinous batter that mimics the binding properties of eggs. While I haven’t extensively tested different measurements or alternative substitutions for this specific duo, another starch like arrowroot powder or tapioca starch might be an option if you’re out of cornstarch. For the flaxseed, finely ground chia seeds could potentially work as a binder, but the texture might vary slightly, and they absorb liquid differently. Experimentation with these less common substitutions may require minor adjustments to the quantities to achieve the desired batter consistency.
• Sweeteners: Pure maple syrup adds a distinct richness and depth of flavor that is characteristic of classic French toast. However, you can easily swap it for agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or even a simple sugar solution if preferred, based on what you have and your desired flavor profile. Always adjust the amount to taste, as different sweeteners have varying levels of potency.
• Spices: While ground cinnamon is a timeless and comforting addition, don’t hesitate to get creative with your spices! A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, a touch of ground cardamom, a dash of ginger powder, or even a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice blend can add wonderful complexity and warm aromatics to your French toast batter, transforming it into a unique culinary experience.

Feel empowered to customize this recipe based on what you have readily available in your pantry and what flavors you love most. The goal is always to create a delicious and satisfying breakfast that brings you joy and fits perfectly into your lifestyle!

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions for Your Vegan Sourdough French Toast

Once your delectable Vegan Sourdough French Toast is cooked to perfection, golden and crispy, the fun truly begins with the toppings! The right accompaniments can elevate an already fantastic breakfast into an unforgettable culinary experience, turning a simple meal into a delightful spread. Here’s a detailed look at my favorite toppings and how to serve them to maximize enjoyment:

My Go-To Toppings for an Unforgettable French Toast Experience:

• No Sugar Added SunButter: This is an absolute game-changer and a personal favorite. I specifically adore using No Sugar Added SunButter because its subtle hint of sea salt perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the French toast and maple syrup. Its rich, creamy, and slightly savory texture provides a delightful contrast to the crispy bread and fresh berries. It’s incredibly satisfying, completely nut-free, and adds a fantastic depth of flavor.
• Fresh Berries: A vibrant burst of freshness is absolutely essential to complement the warmth of the French toast. Blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries, or a colorful mix of all three add natural sweetness, a slight tang, and beautiful visual appeal. Beyond their delightful taste, they also contribute valuable antioxidants and a light, juicy element that elegantly cuts through the richness of the other components.
• Pure Maple Syrup: A generous, flowing drizzle of pure maple syrup is, without question, a non-negotiable for French toast. Its deep, caramelized sweetness is the quintessential accompaniment, providing that classic, comforting flavor profile. For an even more luxurious experience, consider warming the maple syrup slightly before serving; it makes it more fluid and aromatic.
• Coconut Whipped Cream (Optional but Highly Recommended): For an extra touch of sheer indulgence and a presentation boost, a dollop of light and fluffy coconut whipped cream can truly transform your French toast into a decadent dessert-for-breakfast. It adds a light, airy texture and a delicate hint of coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fruit and nutty SunButter, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

The harmonious combination of creamy SunButter, juicy and tart berries, and the sweet warmth of maple syrup creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. I personally love to take a spoon and dollop a generous portion of SunButter directly onto the hot French toast, allowing it to slightly melt and spread, before layering on the vibrant berries and pouring over the rich syrup. This thoughtful layering ensures that every single bite you take has a perfect medley of that delicious, salty-sweet SunButter goodness alongside the fruit and maple.

How to Serve and Store Your French Toast:

For the absolute best and most enjoyable experience, serve your Vegan Sourdough French Toast immediately after it comes off the cooktop. The warmth, the delightful crispiness of the exterior, and the intoxicating aroma are at their peak when fresh. Arrange the golden slices beautifully on a plate, then go wild with your favorite toppings – a decadent swirl of SunButter, a handful of mixed berries, a generous pour of pure maple syrup, and perhaps a delicate cloud of coconut whipped cream for that extra special touch.

While undeniably best when fresh, any leftovers from this delicious meal can be stored for later enjoyment. Simply allow the French toast to cool completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 1-2 days. To reheat them, avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them soggy and detract from their texture. Instead, add the French toast slices back to a lightly buttered or oiled skillet over medium heat. Warm them for several minutes on each side until they are heated through and regain some of their coveted crispiness. Once reheated, serve with a fresh application of your favorite toppings to rejuvenate their flavor.

This Vegan Sourdough French Toast is not only a fantastic recipe for a special breakfast or brunch, but it’s also an excellent way to utilize bread that might be getting a bit old or stale. Stale bread actually works beautifully for French toast as it holds its structure better during the soaking process, absorbing the batter without falling apart. It’s also a wonderful and truly shareable meal, perfect for the whole family to enjoy together or when hosting friends for a delightful morning gathering.

Depending on the size and thickness of your sourdough slices, this recipe typically yields anywhere from 6 to 8 pieces of French toast, making it an ideal quantity for sharing among 2-3 people. If you’re feeding a larger crowd or simply want more for leftovers, it’s incredibly easy to double the batter and increase your bread quantity for a bigger serving size. This recipe is also a fun and festive option to celebrate special occasions like Mother’s Day, Easter, birthdays, or simply to bring some extra joy and decadence to a regular weekday morning, transforming it into something memorable. Its versatility and deliciousness are truly unparalleled.

Enjoy every delightful bite, and savor the simplicity and joy of this incredible plant-based breakfast!

Explore More Vegan Toast & Breakfast Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with this Vegan Sourdough French Toast and are eager to discover more plant-based and gluten-free breakfast and toast creations, you’re in luck! My kitchen is a hub of innovative and delicious recipes that elevate simple bread (or rice cakes!) into something extraordinary. From savory spreads to sweet indulgences, there’s a toast for every craving and occasion. Dive into these other delightful options to expand your breakfast repertoire and discover new favorites:

• Lemon-Y Smashed Pea Toasts

• Caramelized Banana & Toasted Sunflower Seed Toast

• Blackberry Basil Yogurt Toast

• Strawberry Rhubarb French Toast

• Romesco Roasted Cauliflower Toast

• Strawberry Hemp Heart Avocado Toast

• Tempeh, Lettuce, Avocado, & Tomato (TLAT) Toast

• White Bean Ricotta & Baby Artichoke Toast

• Apple Pie Avocado Toast

• Peanut Butter Blueberry Rice Cake Toast

• Avocado Raspberry Rice Cake Toast

• Chickpea Free Purple Sweet Potato Toast

I Want to Hear From You! Share Your Delicious Creations!

Your feedback and culinary creations are incredibly valuable and truly inspire me to develop even more delicious and innovative recipes for you and the plant-based community. If you embark on the delightful journey of making this Vegan Sourdough French Toast recipe, please don’t hesitate to let me know how it turned out! I’m always eager to hear about your cooking experiences.

Be sure to leave me a thoughtful comment, a star rating, and a review right here on the blog. Your insights and honest feedback help me understand what you love, what worked well for you, and how I can continue to create more scrumptious “yums” that perfectly cater to your plant-based lifestyle and culinary desires. Your input is crucial for continuous improvement!

For those who love to share their culinary masterpieces visually, give me a shout on Instagram! Don’t forget to use the dedicated hashtag #floraandvino to show me your beautiful French toast creations. I absolutely love seeing your unique interpretations, your gorgeous food photography, and celebrating your success in the kitchen alongside you.

And if you’re planning your next meal, looking for more plant-based breakfast inspiration, or simply want to discover new and exciting recipes, make sure to check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find a treasure trove of mouth-watering recipes just like this one, categorized and ready to be pinned and saved for your future cooking adventures and meal planning.

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XO Lauren

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