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December 18, 2020

The French Toast I Can’t Stop Eating

The best healthy french toast recipe you’ll ever make! I seriously can’t stop eating this delicious, dairy free french toast made with lots of cinnamon, thick cut bread and wonderful with a hint of orange zest. The perfect easy breakfast or brunch!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins

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healthy french toast on a plate with berries

I’ve been on a real big breakfast kick lately and I just can’t stop EATING THIS FRENCH TOAST. OMG, it was so unbelievably good I actually found myself licking the plate. #help

Tony and I love doing big breakfasts on the days we wake up really hungry. Think hashbrowns, eggs, bacon and now my BEST ever french toast recipe, that can easily be made either healthy or indulgent — your choice.

There are a few secret ingredients that make this french toast truly extraordinary and out of this world addicting. Take a scroll, read the post and then whip up this french toast for your family (or just yourself) ASAP!

healthy french toast on a plate with strawberries and butter

What you’ll need to make the best healthy french toast

This easy french toast recipe can be made a little bit lighter, using more nutritious, healthy ingredients but still taste just like the traditional french toast you know and love. Not only is this french toast dairy free, but it’s also perfect for customizing to make it your own! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Eggs: you’ll just need 2 eggs in this recipe to cook up the french toast.
  • Dairy free milk: I love using light coconut milk from the can for extra flavor, but you can also use unsweetened almond milk, regular coconut milk, or any milk you have available (including cow’s milk!).
  • Extracts: we’re using both vanilla extract and almond extract for a unique, wonderful flavor. The almond extract really takes it to the next level.
  • Cinnamon: you’ll just need a bit of cinnamon to perfect spice the french toast.
  • Sweeteners: we’re just adding a little brown sugar or coconut sugar to perfectly sweeten each piece of french toast. Coconut sugar is a bit of a more nutritious option, whereas brown sugar is more classic.
  • Optional: add a hint of citrus by zesting one orange! Totally optional, but so dang delicious.
  • Bread: the star of the show! You’ll need 6-8 slices of thick cut bread. If you want to make this a little more nutritious and healthy, go for a sprouted, whole grain bread!
  • Toppings: feel free to get creative! I love a drizzle of pure maple syrup, banana slices and berries. A drizzle of nut butter is also delicious.

What’s the best type of bread to use for french toast?

I recommend using a thick white bread or brioche for this dairy free french toast so that it stays nice and thick and doesn’t get soggy. It’s best to use bread that’s a day or two old as well so that it holds up nicely. Some people prefer to even lightly toast their bread for a slightly crisp french toast on the outside. Up to you!

If you want to make this french toast a little bit healthier, I suggest using a sprouted whole grain bread. Ezekiel, Silver Hills Bakery and Angelic are all great brands we love!

My secrets to EXTRA delicious french toast

There are three ingredients that make the very BEST french toast a little more unique and so crazy addicting that you’ll keep going back for another slice. Don’t skip these if you want maximum flavor:

  1. Coconut milk. I absolutely LOVE using light coconut milk from the can for a delicious custardy, sweet flavor. However, I’d found that almond milk is just as great. Oat milk would be lovely, too!
  2. Almond extract. It sounds crazy but a little almond extract creates the most addicting flavor that will keep you coming back.
  3. Extra cinnamon. I use an entire 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon in my french toast recipe and trust me, you’re going to love how it coats the bread and gets nice and toasty when cooked.

egg mixture for dairy free french toast in a bowl

Making gluten free french toast

Feel free to use your favorite gluten free bread in this recipe! A thicker, fluffier gluten free bread is even better!

Can I make this french toast recipe vegan?

Unfortunately, I would not suggest leaving out the eggs as the french toast will cook much differently. If you happen to try out an egg replacer let me know how it goes!

bread in a bowl to make healthy french toast

How to make french toast in 3 easy steps

  1. Make the egg mixture. Whisk together the eggs, then add the rest of your ingredients (besides the bread + toppings) and mix together in a large shallow bowl.
  2. Heat your pan. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Butter is always best for cooking french toast. However, if you want to keep it dairy free, use a vegan butter or coconut oil!
  3. Dip, cook & enjoy! Lastly, dunk both sides of a slice of bread in the egg mixture for no more than 10 seconds total and place dunked slices on your skillet golden brown on both sides. Add your fav toppings and enjoy!

cooking two pieces of healthy french toast in a skillet

Tips for making the best french toast

  • When you dunk your slices of bread in the egg mixture, be sure to only leave it in for 10-15 seconds total to avoid making it soggy.
  • Cook your french toast over medium high heat with butter to ensure it gets nice and golden brown. The butter will brown while it cooks and create delicious flavor.

healthy french toast on two plates with strawberries and butter

Fun toppings for french toast

The best part about this healthy french toast is the endless combinations of toppings you can add! Here are some yummy suggestions:

  • Add a boost of protein with plain or flavored greek yogurt. We love vanilla!
  • Top with any fruit you like: bananas, berries, sliced apples, pears, citrus fruits or make it tropical with mango or pineapple and coconut!
  • Make a pb&j french toast by spreading peanut butter and jelly over the top of the french toast.
  • Make this healthy french toast a little indulgent by adding whipped cream, maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or even chocolate chips. YUM.

pouring syrup on a stack of dairy free french toast

Can you freeze french toast?

Yes! This dairy free french toast is perfect to freeze for later.

  1. Let the french toast cool completely, then transfer individual slices to freezer-friendly bags. If you’re putting multiple slices into one bag, wrap each slice in plastic wrap or place wax paper in between the slices.
  2. The healthy french toast will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months!
  3. To reheat: simply stick frozen french toast slices in the toaster or heat them up in the oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

healthy french toast on plate with butter and berries

More delicious breakfast recipes you’ll love

Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal

Upside-Down Orange Caramel Pecan French Toast Bake

Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes

Grandma’s Buttermilk Waffles

Spinach & Goat Cheese Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust

I hope you love this easy, healthy french toast recipe! If you make it be sure to leave a comment & a rating so I know how you like it. Enjoy, xo!

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The French Toast I Can't Stop Eating

4.97 from 30 votes
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healthy french toast on a plate with berries
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Serves3 servings
The best healthy french toast recipe you'll ever make! I seriously can't stop eating this delicious, dairy free french toast. It's made with warm flavors, thick cut bread and wonderful with a hint of orange zest. The perfect easy breakfast or brunch!

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk (I love using light coconut milk from the can)*
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract
  • ½ tablespoon cinnamon
  • Optional: zest from 1 orange
  • 6-8 slices bread (a thicker white bread or brioche are great options, or go for a healthier sprouted whole grain bread!)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, plus more if necessary (or sub vegan butter or coconut oil)
  • For topping:
  • Pure maple syrup
  • Banana slices
  • Strawberry slices
  • Raspberries, Blackberries or Blueberries

Instructions

  • In a shallow bowl, add your eggs and slightly whisk them. Then add in your almond milk or coconut milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cinnamon.
  • Add 1 tablespoon butter to a skillet and place over medium heat.
  • While the butter melts, dunk a slice of bread gently in the egg mixture and then flip to make sure you coat both sides of the bread; do not leave bread in the mixture for too long. 10-15 seconds max.
  • Place dunked slices on the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on each side. Repeat with more slices. You should be able to get at least 6 slices. Top with fruit of choice, nut butter, yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup!

Recipe Notes

To make this orange french toast: instead of 1 cup almond milk, you can use ½ cup orange juice and ½ cup almond milk.
If you want to make this french toast a little bit more healthy: I suggest using a sprouted whole grain bread. Ezekiel, Silver Hills Bakery and Angelic are all great brands we love. You can also reduce the sugar in the recipe to 1/2 tablespoon!
To freeze: let the french toast cool completely, then transfer individual slices to freezer-friendly bags. If you're putting multiple slices into one bag, wrap each slice in plastic wrap or place wax paper in between the slices. The healthy french toast will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months!
To reheat from frozen: simply stick frozen french toast slices in the toaster or heat them up in the oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 2slicesCalories: 324calCarbohydrates: 49.8gProtein: 14.4gFat: 9.5gSaturated Fat: 3.1gFiber: 6.9gSugar: 13.5g

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats

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healthy french toast on a plate with berries

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