Ultimate French Toast (Gluten & Dairy-free)

Nothing beats french toast, or pain perdu as it's known in France, for brunch on the weekend. Whether you like your french toast smoothed in berries and sugar or bacon and maple syrup. There's no denying this dish is delicious, and there's a reason it's become famous globally. And with this recipe, if you are eating gluten-free or dairy-free, you no longer have to miss out on the enjoyment of eating French toast.

French toast ingredients you'll need

I always recommend using the best quality ingredients, shopping seasonally, and sustainably sourced when possible. If this is your first time cooking gluten-free for someone with Coeliac disease. I recommend checking the ingredients label before using because gluten can sneak into recipes when you least expect it. Below is each ingredient you will need:

• Gluten-free sliced white bread - For this recipe you are going to want thick slices of white bread. I made my own tiger bread and then cut it into 1 inch slices. You can alternative buy gluten-free bread to slice yourself. Or if you can only source gluten-free sliced white sandwich bread, you can use this just be careful not to soak the bread for too long as it will break.

• Egg - I only cook with organic free-range eggs. However, I am conscious that cooking gluten-free is already very expensive, so any quality egg will do. The egg quality won't change the flavour of this french toast.

• Almond milk or alternative milk - I tend to stick with using either; almond or soya milk, as my partner is dairy-free. But any gluten-free milk alternative will do. I have experimented with all types of alternative milk, swapping that out at a 1:1 ratio and never encountered any problems. If you're not dairy-free, you could experiment with using whole milk.

• Ground cinnamon - You will want to use ground cinnamon here. The newer a jar of ground cinnamon, the better the flavour, as it will deteriorate over time. But don't worry if you have an old jar of cinnamon as these cookies will still taste delicious.

• Vanilla extract - Use a good quality vanilla extra in this recipe as you want a flavour to compliment the cinnamon. Don't use a vanilla flavouring or essence as this won't deliver the same complex flavour. Also, vanilla flavourings and essences might need different measuring sizes.

• Neutral oil - Neutral vegetable oil is all you need in this recipe as you don't want an oil to overpower the flavour of your toppings and cinnamon.

Frequently asked questions

If you have a question you want to ask that isn't in the frequently asked questions section, please send me your question or drop a comment at the bottom of the recipe. I try to answer every question, ensuring you create perfect recipes every time.

Can I make this french toast recipe gluten-free?

As someone with Coeliac disease, all my recipes are 100% gluten-free. Although you can easily trick gluten eaters into thinking it's not gluten-free, depending on which gluten-free bread you use. I use homemade tiger loaf for this recipe, as I can cut it into thick slices. However, shop-bought sliced bread will also work in this recipe.

Can I make this french toast recipe dairy-free?

Most of the recipes on my site are dairy-free due to my partner being lactose intolerant, and that's the case with this french toast recipe. I chose to use a dairy-free milk to help create the egg soak which is the only traditional ingredient swap to make french toast. With this being said, as with all allergens, if you're cooking for someone with an allergy or intolerance. Please be cautious of cross-contamination.

Can I make this french toast recipe vegan?

This recipe isn't vegan, and I have attempted to make it vegan. You could experiment with an egg replacement, but I'd suggest finding a vegan recipe for the best results.

How do I store this french toast?

You can't store this french toast for extended periods. It's best to make the french toast as and when you want to enjoy it.

Can I freeze this french toast?

You can't freeze this french toast. It's best to make the french toast as and when you want to enjoy it.

Gluten & dairy-free french toast recipe

Here's my recipe for a very berry blueberry compote that's gluten-free, dairy-free, and 100% vegan.

Serving 2 - 4 portions

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 10-15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 thick slice of bread (I used tiger bread)

• 2 eggs

• 100ml almond milk (or any milk alternative)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• 4 tbsp of neutral oil

Method

1. Whisk the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon into a large container.

2. Soak the slices of bread in the egg mixture for 3 minutes, making sure to turn half way. Be careful as the bread can break.  

3. Heat the oil in a frying pan over moderate heat.

4. Once hot add the slices of bread into the oil and fry for 3 minutes on each side. Until golden brown and slightly crispy.

5. Serve with your favourite toppings such as maple syrup and bacon, or fresh berries and icing sugar.

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