Vegan French Toast with Coconut Milk is a decadent, plant-based twist on the classic breakfast favorite. This recipe uses coconut milk to create a rich, creamy custard base that soaks into slices of bread, giving them a golden, tender, and slightly caramelized texture when cooked.

It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, making it irresistibly aromatic and flavorful.

Why i love this recipe

I love this recipe because it combines comfort and indulgence while remaining entirely vegan. The coconut milk adds a subtle tropical richness that elevates the traditional French toast flavor without overpowering it.

Each bite is soft on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside, offering a satisfying contrast. What makes it a must-try dish is its versatility—you can pair it with fresh fruit, nuts, vegan butter, or more maple syrup, creating a breakfast or brunch that feels luxurious yet simple to make.

This is a must try dish

Absolutely, “Vegan French Toast with Coconut Milk” is a must-try dish. It takes the classic comfort of French toast and elevates it with a creamy, plant-based custard made from coconut milk. Each slice is tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and infused with warm, cozy flavors like cinnamon and vanilla.

What makes it truly special is how indulgent it feels without any dairy or eggs. The subtle richness of coconut milk adds a delicate, slightly tropical flavor, while maple syrup or fresh fruit toppings bring natural sweetness. It’s versatile enough for a quick weekday breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Course	Breakfast / Brunch
Cuisine	Vegan / American
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes
Servings	4 servings
Calories per Serving	~250 calories

Ingredients

• 8 slices of sturdy bread (sourdough, whole grain, or brioche-style vegan bread)
• 1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• ¼ cup maple syrup or agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter for cooking

Optional Toppings

• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Sliced bananas
• Additional maple syrup
• Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
• Vegan chocolate chips or coconut flakes

Cooking Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, ground flaxseed, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
2. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with coconut oil or vegan butter.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the coconut milk mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated and slightly soaked but not overly soggy.
4. Place coated bread slices onto the preheated skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and slightly crisp.
5. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more oil or butter as needed.
6. Serve immediately with desired toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

• In a medium bowl, combine coconut milk, ground flaxseed, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

• Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with coconut oil or vegan butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

• Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture. Ensure both sides are coated evenly. Allow the bread to soak for a few seconds to absorb the flavors but avoid becoming too soggy.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

• Place soaked bread slices on the preheated skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Adjust heat if needed to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve hot with maple syrup, fresh fruits, nuts, or your favorite vegan toppings.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh fruit like berries or bananas, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
• Add vegan butter or coconut whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or freshly squeezed juice for a complete brunch experience.

Recipe Tips

• Use firm bread such as sourdough, whole-grain, or vegan brioche to prevent sogginess.
• Allow bread to soak for a few seconds on each side to fully absorb the custard mixture.
• Cook on medium heat to ensure golden color and even cooking.
• For extra richness, use full-fat coconut milk.
• Leftover French toast can be kept warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) while cooking remaining slices.

Variations

Chocolate Coconut French Toast

• Add vegan chocolate chips to the custard mixture or sprinkle on top while cooking.

Banana Coconut French Toast

• Add mashed banana to the coconut milk mixture for natural sweetness and extra flavor.

Spiced Autumn French Toast

• Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin spice for seasonal variation.

Berry Compote Topping

• Cook mixed berries with a bit of maple syrup to create a warm, fruity sauce for your French toast.

Savory Vegan French Toast

• Omit maple syrup and cinnamon. Add nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and herbs for a savory twist.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Store cooked French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat slices in a toaster, skillet, or oven before serving.

Freezing

• Allow French toast to cool completely. Layer slices with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat directly in a toaster, oven, or skillet.

Special Equipment Needed

• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

1. Can I use a different plant-based milk?
Yes, oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk can be substituted for coconut milk, though coconut milk provides a richer flavor.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bread to make the French toast suitable for gluten-free diets.

3. How do I prevent French toast from being soggy?
Use firm bread, soak briefly in the custard, and cook over medium heat for golden, slightly crisp results.

4. Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the custard can be made 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Stir well before dipping bread.

5. Can I freeze the uncooked French toast?
Yes, dip slices in custard, flash-freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Conclusion

Vegan French Toast with Coconut Milk is a decadent, flavorful, and wholesome breakfast that proves plant-based meals can be indulgent and satisfying. This recipe is easy to make, versatile, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion. The creamy coconut milk custard, combined with spices and natural sweetness, creates a golden, tender French toast that pairs beautifully with fruits, syrup, or nuts. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a comforting, dairy-free, and egg-free version of a beloved classic, making it a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious vegan breakfast.