Easy Dairy Free French Toast (gluten free, vegan option)

If you’re looking for an easy dairy free french toast for a special breakfast or even mother’s day morning, you’ve come to the right place. This dairy free french toast recipe is perfect for the whole family and takes minimal prep work.

Talk about a big hit! The french toast tastes like a classic french toast recipe topped with lots of raspberries and cool whip! This easy recipe is the perfect decadent breakfast for any day of the week, just like my gluten free banana waffles.

As someone who is celiac, lactose intolerant and allergic to almonds, it is so important that all my recipes cater to people with multiple dietary restrictions and food allergies! This recipe is allergy friendly but of course still tastes exactly like traditional french toast, just like my dairy free french toast!

The best thing about this delicious breakfast recipe is that it is gluten free, dairy free, nut free and can be adjusted to make an easy vegan french toast.

why you’ll love this recipe

• Minimal Ingredients: This easy french toast recipe uses readily available ingredients, requiring no fancy pantry items or complicated substitutions. You can easily customize it with different berries or your favorite gluten-free bread.
• Quick Preparation: The entire recipe takes minimal prep time. Simply mash some berries, dip the bread, and cook! No need for complicated fillings or lengthy marinades.
• One-Pan Wonder: From melting butter to cooking the French toast, everything happens in a single pan. This minimizes cleanup and reduces the number of dishes to wash.
• Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch: This recipe is ideal for both weekday mornings and weekend brunches. It’s quick enough for a rushed breakfast, yet impressive and delicious enough for a special occasion.
• Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This recipe caters to dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor. The gluten-free bread and dairy-free milk ensure it’s suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, while the vegan butter and coconut whipped cream make it dairy-free.
• Low-Fat Option: By using egg whites instead of whole eggs, you can significantly reduce the fat content without sacrificing protein or structure. Simply whisk in 3 egg whites instead of 1 whole egg for a lighter version.

ingredients & substitutions

Slices of bread: Use 2 thick slices of your favorite gluten-free bread or any type of bread. Brioche, challah, or Texas toast work well. Stale bread also is a secret ingredient that works really well! My favorite bread to use is canyon bakehouse gluten free white bread.

Egg: One large egg binds the french toast and adds protein. For a lower-fat option, use 3 egg whites. 

Oat Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture. Any plant-based milk, soy milk, light coconut milk or almond milk works.

Vanilla: Sweetens and adds flavor. Most commonly used type of vanilla. You can omit if needed or use imitation vanilla.

Cinnamon: Gives warmth and spice. Adjust to your taste.

Vegan Butter: Melts in the pan for cooking. Any cooking oil works or olive oil. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. 

Raspberries: Adds bursts of sweetness and tang. Fresh blueberries, strawberries, or a mix work too. Mash half, keep the rest whole.

taste & texture

Fluffy gluten-free bread is soft and warm, with a hint of cinnamon spice. Creamy coconut whipped cream adds a cool, rich counterpoint. The texture is soft yet slightly crispy from the toasted bread, with juicy pops from the berries. This Easy Dairy Free French Toast a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and creamy, perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch treat.

directions

Step 1

Prepare the custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk egg, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp of the ground cinnamon together. Ensure the mixture is well combined.

Step 2

Heat the pan: Melt the vegan butter or coconut oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat to medium high heat. Make sure the pan is hot enough to sizzle a drop of water before proceeding. Option to spray skillet with oil spray instead of butter. 

Step 3

Dip and cook: Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated evenly. Let any excess drip off before carefully adding it to the hot pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4

Assemble and serve: Transfer the slices of french toast to a plate. Dollop half of the coconut whipped cream on top.

Step 5

Spread the mashed raspberries evenly onto one slice of bread. Top with desired whole raspberries or fresh berries.

expert tips & tricks

• Use ripe but firm berries for best results. Softer berries might break down too much during mashing.
• If your coconut cream is not already whipped, whip it with an electric mixer until light and fluffy before using.
• For a richer flavor, use a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon in the custard instead of just cinnamon.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for additional spice.
• This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if feeding a crowd.
• Serve the Easy Dairy Free French Toast with melted butter on top and a drizzle of maple syrup or blueberry syrup for a fun twist. You can also top the french toast with peanut butter, fresh fruit, a little brown sugar or coconut sugar.

how to make this low fat or healthier

My favorite ways to keep the Easy Dairy Free French Toast low-fat is to ditch the whole egg and use 3 egg whites instead, also to use cooking spray instead of vegan butter.

how to make this vegan

To make this Easy Dairy Free French Toast a vegan french toast recipe use a mashed banana instead of an egg. The eggless french toast will taste just as good and will still have that perfect texture! Use non-stick cooking spray instead of butter for a vegan option. 

how to serve, store and meal prep

Serve your Easy Dairy Free French Toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup or sprinkle of confectioner sugar. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap the Easy Dairy Free French Toast slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.

Reheating is simple! Pop individual slices of the Easy Dairy Free French Toast in the microwave at low power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.

Make according to directions and store in an air tight container in the fridge or freezer. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and pop individual slices in the microwave at low power for about 30 seconds until warmed. 

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If you make this recipe and enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Pinterest. Join my exclusive weeknight meal plan group for 5 weekly 30-minute dinner recipes plus a weekly grocery shopping list. I would love for you to follow along!