Golden, crispy edges with a soft, custardy center—our gluten-free French toast brings the warm flavors of cinnamon and maple to your table in under 30 minutes. Made with simple ingredients and our best tips for perfect texture, it’s a foolproof recipe everyone will love.
This post may contain affiliate links. The content provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. For more details, please refer to our disclaimer page.
✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends!
If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Patricia—a mom of three and a health scientist who’s been making gluten-free recipes for our mixed-diet family for years. Today, we’re making a gluten-free French toast that’s crispy on the outside, soft and custardy in the center, and packed with cinnamon-maple flavor (just as good as our GF apple french toast casserole).
French toast wasn’t something I grew up eating—shocking, I know! But the first time I tried it, I was hooked. The crispy-yet-soft texture, drizzled with maple syrup, was the perfect balance of flavors. As life got busier and food allergies entered the picture, I needed a gluten-free version that was quick and easy enough for busy weekends but still had that cozy, Sunday morning feel (just like our fluffy vegan gluten-free waffles!)
What makes this recipe different? No soggy, falling-apart bread. No complicated ingredients. Just a foolproof, easy recipe that works. I’ll share my best tips for getting the perfect texture every time, from choosing the right gluten-free bread to prepping ahead for those extra-busy mornings.
So, let’s make the best gluten-free French toast—one that works for everyone at the table!
😍Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture, Every Time: Our recipe delivers crisp, golden edges and a soft, custardy center. We share our top tips to ensure you get that texture and the best French toast every time.
- Rich, Comforting Flavor: A touch of cinnamon and maple in the batter ensures every bite is warm, flavorful, and satisfying without being overly sweet.
- Stress-Free Prep, Simple Ingredients: Ready in under 30 minutes and made with just 7 ingredients, this recipe simplifies breakfast, whether it’s for a busy weekday morning or a special weekend treat.
- Works for Everyone: Designed to please mixed-diet households, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, optional, and so good that even those without dietary restrictions won’t know the difference.
🥖 Choosing the Right Gluten-Free Bread
Not all gluten-free bread works for French toast! The best options are sturdy, slightly dense, and a little dry. Soft, fluffy sandwich bread can fall apart when soaked. If your bread is fresh and very soft, let it sit out for 20–30 minutes before using, or lightly toast it to help it hold up better. Gluten-free sandwich bread, homemade gluten-free bread, and even cinnamon raisin bread all work great! Here are some brands that have worked for us:
- Little Northern Bakehouse (my top pick)
- Dr. Schar Gluten-Free Artisan Bread
- O'Doughs
- Canyon Bakehouse
- Udi's Artisan Bread
Karen over at Healthy GF Family has a great article about selecting the best gluten-free breads if you want more info!
🍞Simple Ingredients & Flavor
Our gluten-free French toast is a comforting, easy recipe with simple ingredients that deliver the perfect balance of crisp golden brown edges and soft, custardy centers. Here's why each ingredient plays a key role in this recipe:
- Gluten-Free Bread: I recommend using your favorite gluten-free bread; I used Little Northern Bakehouse gluten-free sandwich bread because it is on the drier side. If it's stale (but not spoiled), even better! Stale bread soaks up the French toast batter more effectively, giving you a rich, custardy texture without being soggy.
- Eggs: The base of any great French toast batter, eggs provide structure and help the bread hold together as it cooks.
- Milk (Dairy or Dairy-free): I used oat milk for this recipe, but you can use your favorite milk, whether it is dairy or non-dairy. Milk will add creaminess to the batter.
- Cinnamon: This warm, sweet spice is the hallmark of classic French toast. It adds depth and comfort to every bite.
- Pure Maple Syrup: As a Canadian, I find this a non-negotiable ingredient 😉. A touch of pure maple syrup in the batter adds a natural sweetness and complements the cinnamon. It will give a deeper flavor than regular sugar.
- Butter (dairy or dairy-free): Butter (or dairy-free butter) is used during cooking to give the toast that classic golden brown crust.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and spice.
You’ll find the exact quantities in the recipe card below.
⚠️ Celiac Safety Alert
If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, be sure to use certified gluten-free bread, oat milk, and butter. Some brands of oat milk and gluten-free bread are processed in shared facilities, so always check labels carefully. Many celiacs react to oats (even when 100% gluten-free), so swap oat milk for regular milk, almond, soy, or another gluten-free option.
🔁Substitutions
Cooking for a family with diverse dietary needs has taught me the importance of flexibility in recipes. Here are some substitutions to accommodate various preferences or ingredient availability:
- Milk Alternative: Feel free to use any milk alternative that suits your dietary needs or what's available in your pantry. I prefer to use oat milk, but we have also made this recipe with regular milk and soy milk, which has had good results.
- Eggs Alternative: For an egg-free version, I recommend substituting each egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it thicken for a few minutes before adding to the batter.
- Butter: To keep this recipe dairy-free, opt for plant-based butter or use a neutral oil like coconut or avocado oil for frying.
- Maple Syrup: If maple syrup isn’t available or preferred, the simplest substitute is granulated sugar (equal parts), but you can also replace it with honey or agave syrup for a similar sweetness.
👩🏽🍳Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt until fully combined. Make sure your egg mixture is smooth, with no streaks of egg whites. This creates a creamy base that soaks into the bread.
TIP: If your cinnamon clumps, sift it into the mixture.
Step 2: Soak The Bread
Place your slices of gluten-free bread in a single layer in a shallow dish or baking pan. Pour the batter over the bread, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Let it soak for 2-3 minutes per side.
TIP: Stale bread absorbs the batter more evenly; if your bread is too fresh, it might fall apart.
Step 3: Cook your French Toast
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or dairy-free butter. Then, place 1-2 soaked slices of bread onto the hot pan, making sure they’re in a single layer with space between each piece. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the cooked French toast from the pan, top it with fresh fruit, drizzle with maple syrup, or sprinkle some extra cinnamon. Serve warm for a delicious gluten-free breakfast that everyone will love.
💡French-Toast Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Gluten-free bread can vary in texture. I recommend using slightly stale bread or letting fresh slices air-dry for 30 minutes before soaking. This prevents them from getting too soggy and breaking apart.
- Rest the Batter: After whisking the egg mixture, let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the cinnamon and salt to dissolve fully and ensures the bread evenly absorbs the liquid, especially if you're using thicker slices or stale bread.
- Avoid Over-soaking: Gluten-free bread absorbs batter quickly. A few minutes per side is enough to ensure it's custardy without falling apart.
- Prevent Soggy Bread: Always soak the bread in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Flip the bread gently to prevent tearing, especially with gluten-free bread, which can be more delicate.
- Get the Pan Temperature Right: Cook on medium heat for even browning. Too high, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked; too low, and you'll miss that golden brown crust. Use a bit of butter (dairy or dairy-free) to add flavor and prevent sticking.
⏲️ Meal Prep & Make Ahead Tips
If you want to meal prep this gluten-free French toast recipe, we recommend not storing it uncooked, as it can get soggy. Instead, fully cook the French toast, cool it on a wire rack, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster, air fryer, or on a skillet to bring back its crispy edges.
- French Toast Casserole: If you’re looking for an easy make-ahead option that works well, try our French toast casserole. Prep everything the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning. It’s less fussy and perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day or Sunday brunch.
- Large Gathering: If you need to keep French toast warm for a crowd, place cooked slices on a wire rack in the oven at 200°F. This keeps them warm without getting soggy.
🍴Recipe Variations Ideas
- French Toast Casserole: If you’re looking for an easy make-ahead option that works well, try our French toast casserole. Head over to the recipe for an easy hands-off breakfast perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day or Sunday brunch.
- Stuffed French Toast: Spread a layer of dairy-free cream cheese and your favorite jam between two slices of gluten-free sandwich bread before dipping them in the batter. Cook as usual for a fun sandwich-style French toast.
🥡How To Store This Recipe
To store any leftover gluten-free French toast, allow the slices to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Place the container in the freezer for longer storage, where the French toast can be kept for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat the slices in a toaster or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy on the edges.
As a busy mom of three navigating a mixed-diet household, I've spent years perfecting gluten and dairy-free recipes that don't compromise on taste or texture. My background as a neuroscientist with a PhD in health science fuels my passion for creating meals that nourish both body and mind. This gluten-free French toast has become a family favorite, satisfying even the pickiest eaters at our table.
❔Recipe FAQ
Yes, you can prepare the French toast in advance. After cooking, let the slices cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or on a skillet until warmed through and crispy.
Sogginess can result from using very fresh or overly soft gluten-free bread, which tends to absorb too much batter. Using slightly stale bread and ensuring not to over-soak can help achieve a better texture.
Our family loves topping this French toast with pure maple syrup, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For a treat, try adding a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream or a drizzle of almond butter.
🌟 Loved our perfect French toast recipe? Let us know! I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment, star rating, or share this recipe. Your feedback helps support and improve AtMyTable and helps others discover new favorites. Or come chat with me on Facebook or Instagram!
🥣Recipe Pairing & More
We love enjoying our gluten-free French toast with some creamy hot chocolate or with a refreshing breakfast smoothie! You can check those out below:
👋🏼Até logo, amigos! Keep savoring every bite and don’t forget—life’s better with a little flavor and fun. Até a próxima!
📖 Recipe
Gluten-Free French Toast (Dairy-Free)
Ingredients
- 6-8 slices gluten-free sandwich bread slightly stale works best
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter dairy-free or regular
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt until smooth. Make sure to whisk well to ensure the salt and cinnamon are well dissolved.
- Soak the Bread: Place slices of gluten-free bread in a single layer in a shallow dish. Do not overcrowd. Pour the batter over the bread, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Soak for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt completely.
- Cook the French Toast: Place soaked bread onto the hot skillet in a single layer, leaving space between slices. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with a drizzle of pure maple syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings.
Leave a Reply