This easy vegan french toast recipe is a great way to sneak in some protein in the morning, and a unique new way to enjoy tofu that isn’t savoury! Kids will love this breakfast too! It’s vegan, gluten-free, and so easy to make.
I can’t tell you how many requests I get for more recipes that are high in protein for breakfast that don’t include eggs or greek yogurt. It can feel like a challenge sometimes, especially to find vegan breakfast recipes that are high in protein that doesn’t rely on protein powder! So if you’re not feeling like a vegan tofu scramble, and are more of a sweet breakfast person, you’re going to LOVE this easy vegan french toast recipe.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
I am obsessed with this easy vegan french toast recipe and I can’t wait for you to try it!
- It’s kid-approved/family-friendly.
- It’s packed with healthy, wholesome ingredients.
- It’s vegan, gluten-free, and low carb.
- It’s so delicious!
Key Ingredients
Extra firm tofu — It’s important to use extra firm because soft tofu will be too wobbly and watery to hold its shape in the pan. It will make you reallllllly frustrated if it keeps falling apart. Trust me.
Almond flour — Almond flour is rich in monounsaturated fats and adds a nice nutty flavour. It also adds the crunchy crust for this tofu!
Cinnamon — French toast is all about flour and I do believe cinnamon is key. Feel free to add in whatever other yummy spices you enjoy like nutmeg or ginger.
Brown Sugar — I like using brown sugar because it’s a “dry” sugar while maple or honey tends to inhibit the crispy coating and just gets in the way.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Cut the tofu in quarters lengthwise and then in half on the diagonal to yield 8 triangles.
Step 2: Lay a few paper towels or a kitchen towel down on a baking dish. Add the tofu triangles, some more towels, and then top with heavy things. Allow them to sit for 1 hour to press out the moisture.
Step 3: In a pie plate or dish, mix together the almond flour, cinnamon, sugar, and salt.
Step 4: Heat the coconut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and generously dip the tofu pieces into the almond flour mixture until well coated.
Step 4: Place in the pan and cook until golden brown on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Serve this vegan french toast recipe with berries, maple syrup, or powdered sugar if desired.
Expert Tips
The key to a crispy vegan french toast is first to really squeeze that liquid out by pressing the tofu. I use towel or paper towel on a cookie sheet, put the tofu down, then add more towel and a bunch of really heavy items. You should find the towels are pretty wet about 20 or so minutes.
You can press the tofu before or after cutting it. It’s a little faster when you’ve cut it first as they’re more manageable pieces but if you have a tofu press and want to use it on a whole block first, go for it!
The almond flour breading also really helps keep these low carb french toasts super crispy. Do not skip it!
Recipe FAQs
Of course, the classic pairing is maple syrup (I am Canadian after all), but since I am partial to serving my french toast with fruit, I also love to serve this with my homemade easy chia jam. Check out this recipe (there’s a reason why it’s so popular). You could also serve this alongside a brunch salad or my vegan maple sausages.
Since this recipe does not use any bread, just tofu, and uses almond flour in place of regular wheat flour, this is low carb and may be appropriate for those on a low carb diet. Of course, if you add a lot of fruit, jam, or maple syrup, and use real brown sugar in place of a non-sugar alternative, then you will see the carbohydrate content rise.
If you’re struggling to get your kiddo to get enough protein or iron in their day, they will LOVE this take on french toast. I mean, who doesn’t like french toast?
You can, however, be aware that it will lose its crispy exterior so I recommend rewarming it in a 400 F for 10 minutes to perk back up.
Yes, this is not only vegan but it is also naturally gluten free and therefore safe for those with celiac and gluten intolerance since we are relying on soy, not bread for the french toast.
More Recipes You Might Like
Want more protein rich breakfast recipes like this easy vegan french toast recipe? Try these household favourites:
- Sheet Pan Protein Pancake Fingers
- Eggs and Cheese Savoury Protein Waffles
- PB&J Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Keto Egg Cups 5 Ways
What do you think about making french toast out of tofu without TOAST?! Leave me a comment below with your thoughts!
Easy Vegan French Toast Recipe | Low Carb, Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 350 g pack extra firm tofu
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp brown sugar or low sugar alternative
- Pinch salt
- Coconut oil for cooking
- Berries for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup for serving (optional)
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the tofu in quarters lengthwise and then in half on the diagonal to yield 8 triangles.
- Lay a few paper towels or a kitchen towel down on a baking dish. Add the tofu triangles, some more towels and then top with heavy things. Allow to sit for 1 hour to press out the moisture.
- In a pie plate or dish, mix together the almond flour, cinnamon, sugar and salt.
- Heat the coconut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and generously dip the tofu pieces into the almond flour mixture until well coated. Place in the pan and cook until golden brown on each side, about 3 minutes per side.
- Serve with berries, maple syrup or powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- The key to a crispy vegan french toast is first to really squeeze that liquid out by pressing the tofu. I use towel or paper towel on a cookie sheet, put the tofu down, then add more towel and a bunch of really heavy items. You should find the towels are pretty wet about 20 or so minutes.
- You can press the tofu before or after cutting it. It’s a little faster when you’ve cut it first as they’re more manageable pieces but if you have a tofu press and want to use it on a whole block first, go for it!
- The almond flour breading also really helps keep these low carb french toasts super crispy. Do not skip it!
Nutrition
Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by the Ontario College of Dietitians. She is a mom, YouTuber, Blogger, award winning cookbook author, media coach specializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications like Healthline and on national broadcast TV shows.
Valerie says
I love tofu,
My husband doesn’t. I tried making these this morning, unfortunately the coating doesn’t do much for flavor.. any options to soak it in something first to change flavor? I realize that would defeat the drying them out step.
Abbey Sharp says
Hi Valerie, I could see it being difficult for the coating to stick if you soaked it in something. I would suggest adding different toppings for extra flavour!
MauihiGirl says
I haven’t tried your recipe but I found this after making it this morning the way I make it. Very similar to yours except I used the GF 1 for 1 flour sifted with mine. It is delicious and takes the cravings away when you are hungry for French toast and don’t want to eat bread. Thanks for sharing your recipe can’t wait to try it next time. I usually don’t press x-firm for 1 hour maybe 5 minutes and it is fine, too much and it falls apart.
Rachel says
Wow, this looks so good! I am always looking for new ways to eat tofu—never thought to turn it into french toast! Definitely trying this soon!