French toast is a delicious and classic breakfast dish that is loved by people all over the world. However, for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, the traditional recipe may not be an option. But fear not! In this article, we will show you how to make cinnamon French toast without milk, so you can enjoy this delightful treat without any dairy-related concerns.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step to making cinnamon French toast without milk is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Bread slices (preferably slightly stale)
2. Eggs (the number of eggs you use will depend on how many slices of bread you’re making)
3. Dairy-free milk alternative (such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk)
4. Ground cinnamon
5. Vanilla extract (optional)
6. Maple syrup or any syrup of your choice (for serving)
7. Fresh berries or sliced fruits (for serving)
Choose the Right Bread
To make the best dairy-free French toast, it’s essential to choose the right type of bread. Opt for a bread that is slightly stale, which will absorb the egg mixture better. Challah bread, brioche, or whole wheat bread work well for this recipe. Avoid using pre-sliced sandwich bread as it may become too soggy.
Create the Egg Mixture
Next, it’s time to create the flavorful egg mixture that will give your French toast its signature taste. In a bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until the yolks and whites are well combined. Add in a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract if desired. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma to the French toast, but it is entirely optional.
Replace Milk with Dairy-Free Alternatives
Since we are making a dairy-free version of French toast, it’s crucial to find a suitable replacement for milk. Fortunately, there are many delicious dairy-free milk alternatives available, such as almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk. Choose the one that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Pour the dairy-free milk alternative into the egg mixture and whisk it all together until well combined.
Soak the Bread
Now that your egg mixture is ready, it’s time to soak the bread slices. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Allow the bread to sit in the mixture for about 10-15 seconds to absorb the flavors.
Cooking the French Toast
To cook your dairy-free French toast, heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can grease the surface with a small amount of dairy-free butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, although it is not necessary. Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet or griddle and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Keep Warm in the Oven
If you’re making a large batch of French toast or want to keep each serving warm, preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C). Place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and keep it in the oven while you cook the remaining slices. This method will ensure that the French toast stays warm and maintains its crisp texture.
Serving Your Delicious Dairy-Free French Toast
Once all the slices of French toast are cooked, it’s time to enjoy your dairy-free delight! Serve the French toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup or any syrup of your choice. You can also add a dollop of dairy-free butter or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for some extra indulgence. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh berries or sliced fruits for a pop of color and added freshness.
Variations and Tips
1. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture.
2. If you prefer a sweeter French toast, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or a sugar substitute to the egg mixture.
3. For a crispy exterior, you can dust the soaked bread slices with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before cooking.
4. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread instead.
5. To make your French toast even more decadent, you can make a dairy-free whipped cream using coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt.
In conclusion, making cinnamon French toast without milk is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this breakfast classic if you’re lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet. By replacing milk with dairy-free alternatives and using the right bread, you can still achieve a mouthwatering and flavorful result. So go ahead, whip up a batch of dairy-free French toast and savor every bite of this delightful and guilt-free treat!