Plant-Based & Protein-Packed: The Ultimate Strawberry Rhubarb French Toast Recipe for a Special Brunch

Indulge in this exquisite plant-based and protein-packed French Toast, elevated by a vibrant homemade strawberry-rhubarb compote. Perfect for a memorable breakfast or brunch, this delightful recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, promising a truly special culinary experience.

Have you ever dreamed of enjoying a luxurious breakfast in bed? It’s a fantasy often painted in movies and magazines – a tray laden with deliciousness, the soft morning light, and the comfort of your duvet. In theory, it sounds absolutely perfect. However, the reality of pulling off such a feat can be surprisingly tricky. Once I’m awake, I’m usually ready to get going, and then there’s the delicate dance of eating without accidentally turning your bedspread into a culinary canvas!

Yet, if I had to choose one breakfast dish that truly embodies the ideal breakfast-in-bed experience, it would undoubtedly be this Strawberry Rhubarb French Toast. It strikes that exquisite balance between comforting familiarity and elegant presentation, making any morning feel like a special occasion. Imagine sinking into soft, fluffy French toast, topped with a warm, tangy-sweet fruit compote – it’s a little piece of heaven. And with Mother’s Day just around the corner, what better way to show appreciation for the incredible moms in our lives than by surprising them with this beautiful, homemade treat served right to their bedside?

This recipe holds a particularly special place in my heart, especially when thinking of Mother’s Day, because rhubarb instantly transports me back to childhood memories of my mom’s legendary rhubarb pies. Her pies weren’t just desserts; they were culinary masterpieces. The best part, hands down, was always the filling. I’d eagerly dig my spoon deeper and deeper into the pie’s interior, savoring every sweet, tart, and vibrant pink bite until all that remained was a perfectly concave pie crust. I’ve never been much of a pie crust enthusiast, unless we’re talking about a crunchy graham cracker crust (but that’s a story for another post!). It was the glorious, glistening rhubarb filling that truly stole the show, and that memory is exactly what inspired the compote in this French toast recipe.

Crafting the Perfect Vegan French Toast: Essential Ingredients

Creating delicious, plant-based French toast doesn’t require a long list of obscure ingredients. In fact, you might already have most of these staples in your pantry and refrigerator! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the clever use of plant-based alternatives to achieve that classic French toast texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make our incredibly satisfying Vegan French Toast:

• Bread: The foundation of any great French toast! Opt for stale bread, as it’s less prone to becoming soggy and absorbs the batter beautifully. We’ll delve into the best types of bread later.
• Protein Powder: This secret ingredient not only boosts the nutritional profile, making your French toast more satisfying and sustaining, but also helps to create a thicker, richer batter. It contributes to the golden-brown crust and a delightful texture. If you don’t have protein powder, a gluten-free flour like chickpea or oat flour can be a good substitute to add body to the batter.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk Yogurt: A fantastic dairy-free alternative that adds tanginess, creaminess, and a slight richness to the batter, mimicking the qualities of traditional egg-based French toast. Be sure to use unsweetened to control the overall sweetness of the dish.
• Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for French toast! Cinnamon adds warmth, aroma, and a hint of sweet spice that perfectly complements the fruit compote.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: Our liquid base, keeping the recipe entirely plant-based. Unsweetened almond milk ensures the batter isn’t overly sweet and maintains a light consistency. Any other plant-based milk (like soy, oat, or cashew milk) can also work, but almond milk is often preferred for its neutral flavor.

That’s truly all it takes to whip up a batch of golden, crispy, and incredibly flavorful vegan French toast. Simple, wholesome ingredients for a truly delightful breakfast!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Vegan French Toast

Making vegan French toast is surprisingly straightforward and quick, perfect for a special morning when you want maximum deliciousness with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps to achieve golden-brown perfection:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Begin by lightly spraying a non-stick pan or griddle with coconut oil spray. This not only prevents sticking but also imparts a subtle, pleasant flavor. Turn the heat to medium. You want the pan to be warm enough to cook the French toast evenly without burning it – a moderate heat ensures a golden crust and cooked-through interior.
2. Whisk the Batter: In a shallow bowl, combine the unsweetened almond milk yogurt, unsweetened almond milk, protein powder (or substitute flour), and cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, with no lumps of protein powder remaining. The ideal consistency is runny enough to easily coat the bread, but not watery. It should have a slight thickness to it, ensuring it adheres to the bread slices. If it seems too thick, add a tiny splash more almond milk; if too thin, a pinch more protein powder or flour.
3. Dip the Bread: Take each slice of stale bread and carefully dip it into the batter. Ensure both sides are thoroughly coated. Stale bread is key here – its slightly dried-out structure acts like a sponge, soaking up the batter without disintegrating, leading to a much better texture. Don’t let the bread sit in the batter for too long, as it can become overly saturated and fall apart.
4. Remove Excess and Transfer: Gently lift the coated bread slice from the batter, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. A light tap on the rim of the bowl can help. Carefully transfer the prepared bread slice to your preheated pan. Arrange them so they have enough space to cook without overcrowding.
5. Cook to Golden Perfection: Cook the French toast for approximately 5 minutes on each side. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your stove and the thickness of your bread. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color on both sides, indicating that it’s perfectly caramelized and cooked through. The exterior should be slightly crisp, while the interior remains soft and tender.

Repeat the dipping and cooking process for all your bread slices. As each piece finishes cooking, you can transfer it to a plate and keep it warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining slices. This ensures everyone gets to enjoy warm, fresh French toast simultaneously!

The Star Topping: What You Need for Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

Moving beyond the traditional rhubarb pie, I opted for a quick, vibrant, and naturally sweetened compote that captures all the beautiful flavors of rhubarb and strawberries in a fraction of the time. This compote is not only incredibly delicious but also comes together in less than 5 minutes, making it an ideal companion to our French toast. You’ll absolutely adore the harmonious blend of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, brightened with fresh orange juice and sweetened just right with maple syrup.

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Compote:

• Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: Strawberries provide a burst of natural sweetness and beautiful color. Using fresh, in-season strawberries will offer the best flavor, but frozen strawberries work just as well, especially when fresh aren’t available. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Simply hull and halve your fresh strawberries for optimal texture and ease of cooking.
• Rhubarb: The star of the show, bringing its unique tartness and fibrous texture that breaks down into a lovely, jam-like consistency. Choose firm, bright pink or red stalks for the best flavor and appearance. Trim off any tough ends and dice it into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Orange Juice: A splash of fresh orange juice serves multiple purposes. It adds a subtle citrus brightness that complements the fruit, helps to naturally sweeten the compote, and provides the necessary liquid to start the cooking process, preventing the fruit from sticking to the pan.
• Maple Syrup: Our chosen natural sweetener. Maple syrup not only adds a lovely depth of sweetness but also a hint of characteristic flavor that pairs wonderfully with both strawberries and rhubarb. The amount can be adjusted to your personal taste and the tartness of your specific rhubarb.

That’s it! With these four simple ingredients, you’ll be able to create a luscious, naturally sweetened compote that perfectly balances the flavors of spring and summer, making your French toast truly irresistible.

Whipping Up the Strawberry Rhubarb Compote: Easy Steps

This Strawberry Rhubarb Compote is a testament to how quick and effortless making a gourmet topping can be. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a beautifully vibrant and flavorful compote ready to elevate your French toast or any other dish. Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine and Boil: In a medium pan, add your diced strawberries and rhubarb along with the orange juice. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over medium-high heat. The rapid boil helps to quickly soften the fruit and release its natural juices, kickstarting the compote-making process.
2. Simmer to Perfection: Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and allow the fruit to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes. During this time, the rhubarb will soften and become fork-tender, and the strawberries will begin to break down, releasing their sweet juices and thickening the mixture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You’ll notice the compote taking on a beautiful, glossy texture as the fruit softens.
3. Sweeten to Taste: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. This is the stage to taste and adjust the sweetness. Rhubarb can vary significantly in tartness, so you might prefer a little more or a little less maple syrup. Start with 1 tablespoon, stir, taste, and then add more if desired until it reaches your perfect balance of sweet and tart.

This compote recipe yields a generous amount, which is fantastic because it’s incredibly versatile! Don’t limit it to just French toast. You’ll have extra to spread on warm toast, drizzle over pancakes, stir into oatmeal for a delightful breakfast, top your favorite vegan ice cream, or serve alongside other desserts throughout the week. For a truly unique and comforting experience, I highly recommend stirring a spoonful into a warm bowl of oatmeal – it’s a game-changer!

Choosing the Best Bread for Flawless French Toast

The type of bread you choose is paramount to the success of your French toast. While seemingly simple, the right bread can elevate your dish from good to absolutely outstanding. For this recipe, my go-to is a super easy batter made from almond milk, almond milk yogurt, and protein powder, which is perfectly designed to interact with a specific kind of bread.

The golden rule for exceptional French toast is to use **stale, sturdy bread**. Why stale? Fresh bread contains a high moisture content, which means it tends to get excessively soggy and can fall apart when dipped in batter. Stale bread, on the other hand, has lost some of its moisture, making it much more absorbent. It soaks up the French toast batter beautifully without disintegrating, resulting in a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.

Here are some excellent bread choices that work wonderfully for French toast:

• Brioche (vegan version): If you can find a vegan brioche, its rich, buttery texture and slight sweetness make it a classic choice for French toast.
• Challah (vegan version): Similar to brioche, vegan challah bread offers a dense yet fluffy crumb that holds up well and browns beautifully.
• Sourdough: For a tangier flavor profile, sourdough is an excellent option. Its robust structure absorbs the batter without becoming mushy, and its distinct taste adds another layer of complexity.
• Hearty Whole Wheat or Artisan Loaves: Breads with a dense crumb and a good crust are ideal. They provide the necessary structure to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy. I personally used an old loaf of wheat-free bread for this recipe, and it held up perfectly, producing fantastic results.
• Texas Toast: Thicker slices of white bread can also work, as their substantial size can handle the batter.

Avoid very light, airy sandwich breads that tend to dissolve when wet. The bread needs to have enough body to maintain its structure while cooking. If you don’t have protein powder, as mentioned before, a gluten-free flour like chickpea or oat flour can be substituted to provide body to the batter, which helps in coating the bread and achieving a good texture.

So, next time you have a loaf of bread that’s a day or two past its prime, don’t discard it! Bookmark this recipe, because it’s the perfect opportunity to transform it into an exquisite, any-time French toast treat.

Elegant Serving Ideas for Your Strawberry Rhubarb French Toast

Once your golden-brown French toast slices are ready, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece and turn it into a truly unforgettable breakfast or brunch. Presentation can make all the difference, especially for a special occasion like Mother’s Day or a relaxed weekend treat. Here’s how to serve your Strawberry Rhubarb French Toast with flair:

1. Plate with Care: Gently transfer the cooked French toast slices to a serving plate. For an extra touch of warmth and coziness, you can lightly warm the plates before serving.
2. Generous Compote Topping: Spoon a generous amount of the warm Strawberry Rhubarb Compote over the French toast. The vibrant pink and red hues of the compote will instantly make the dish visually appealing. Don’t be shy – the compote is a key flavor component!
3. Garnish with Freshness:
   • Fresh Basil: A scattering of fresh basil leaves (or finely chopped basil) might seem unconventional, but trust me, it’s a revelation! The herbaceous notes of basil provide a surprising and delightful contrast to the sweet and tart fruit, adding a gourmet touch.
   • Chia Seeds: For a subtle crunch and an added nutritional boost, sprinkle a pinch of chia seeds over the compote. They also add a lovely textural element.
   • Pure Maple Syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup is always welcome on French toast. It adds another layer of sweetness and a beautiful shine to the dish.
   • Vegan Yogurt or Whipped Cream: For extra creaminess, add a dollop of additional unsweetened almond milk yogurt or a swirl of vegan whipped cream alongside the compote.
   • Fresh Fruit: A few extra fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint can enhance the visual appeal and reinforce the fresh fruit flavors.
   • Chopped Nuts: Toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans could add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
4. Serve Immediately: While delicious, French toast is always best enjoyed fresh and warm off the pan. Gather your loved ones and savor this special breakfast together.

If you happen to have any leftover Strawberry Rhubarb Compote (which is a rare occurrence!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving to bring back its luscious consistency and warmth. However, for the ultimate experience, this recipe is definitely at its peak when enjoyed fresh. Take your time, make it for a slower weekend breakfast, and share this delightful creation with your favorite people. Enjoy every glorious bite!

Explore More Vegan French Toast Delights

If you’ve fallen in love with this plant-based French toast, you’re in luck! There are many ways to enjoy this classic breakfast dish with a vegan twist. Discover other delicious variations to keep your mornings exciting and flavorful:

• Vegan Sourdough French Toast

  For those who appreciate a slightly tangy note in their breakfast, our Vegan Sourdough French Toast offers a delightful alternative. The robust flavor of sourdough pairs wonderfully with sweet toppings, creating a sophisticated yet comforting meal.

We’d Love to Hear From You!

If you try out this delightful Strawberry Rhubarb French Toast recipe, please don’t hesitate to share your experience! Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps us create even more delicious content for you.

Be sure to leave a comment below, along with a rating and a review, so we can hear all about your culinary creations. Your insights help us understand what you love and how we can continue to bring you the best plant-based recipes.

Don’t forget to give us a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your beautiful French toast creations. We absolutely love seeing what you cook up!

For more plant-based inspiration and delicious recipes like this one, check out our Pinterest page. It’s packed with ideas to pin and make later!

Love this post and want to stay updated with all our latest recipes, tips, and articles? Head over to our homepage and subscribe to our newsletter to get fresh updates delivered right to your inbox!

XO Lauren

Print