🍞 Plant-Based French Toast with Fruit (Waffle Maker Edition)

A golden-crisp take on French toast, infused with warm spices and citrus — finished with fresh fruit or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream.

This Vegan French Toast isn’t just plant-based — it’s full of aromatic charm, thanks to a milk infusion of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus zest. What makes it extra special? It’s crisped up in a waffle maker, giving you those golden ridges and extra crunch with no need for frying. Whether you serve it with fruit, maple syrup, or a scoop of vegan ice cream, it’s weekend brunch magic in under 30 minutes.

🛠 Kitchen Tools

• Saucepan

• Waffle maker

• Mixing bowls

• Shallow plate (for soaking)

• Whisk or fork

• Zester or fine grater

• Strainer

🧾 Ingredients

Serves 2

• Plant-based milk (e.g. oat, soy, or almond): 3 cups (720 ml)

• Lemon: 1 unit (zest only)

• Orange (optional, for extra citrus depth): zest of 1

• Ground cinnamon: 1 tablespoon

• Whole cloves: 10

• Chickpea flour: 10 g (approx. 1 tablespoon)

• Cornstarch: 10 g (approx. 1 tablespoon)

• Bread slices: 3 thick slices (day-old or sturdy bread works best)

• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, berries, banana, maple syrup, or vegan ice cream

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Infuse the milkIn a saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) of plant-based milk with lemon and/or orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Heat gently over medium-low until it just reaches a boil, stirring occasionally.

2. Cool and strainOnce boiling, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to intensify the flavors. When cooled slightly, strain the infusion into a shallow plate and discard the solids.

3. Make the batterIn a separate bowl, mix chickpea flour, cornstarch, and the remaining 1 cup (240 ml) of plant-based milk. Whisk until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.

4. Soak the breadDip each slice of bread into the citrus-spiced milk infusion, making sure it's well soaked but not falling apart.

5. Coat and pressThen dip the moistened bread into the chickpea-cornstarch batter, ensuring it's evenly coated on both sides.

6. Cook in the waffle makerPreheat your waffle maker, lightly grease it if needed, and cook the slices for about 6 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. (Time may vary depending on your waffle maker.)

7. Sweeten and serveSprinkle with powdered sugar, add fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a scoop of vegan ice cream for a decadent finish.

   
   

🌟 Why you’ll love this recipe

• Egg-free, dairy-free, and full of flavor

• Waffle maker gives extra crispiness — no pan flipping!

• Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or dessert

• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

🍓 Serving Suggestions

• Mixed berries + maple syrup

• Banana slices + cinnamon

• Vegan whipped cream or coconut yogurt

• Toasted nuts and cacao nibs for crunch

• 
  

This Waffle French Toast recipe turns ordinary bread into something spectacular — warm, spiced, crispy, and loaded with plant-based goodness. It’s a little bit fancy, totally satisfying, and endlessly fun to make.