French Toast is a classic breakfast dish that is popular all over the world. It’s usually made with slices of bread soaked in milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. The vanilla extract gives it a unique flavor and aroma, making it stand out from other breakfast dishes. But what if you don’t have vanilla extract on hand? The good news is you can make delicious French toast without using vanilla extract.
So if you are wondering how to make French toast without vanilla extract? We have a few ideas for you to try!
What is French Toast?
French toast is a delicious golden-brown toast with a soft and fluffy interior. French toast is often served with syrup, jam, honey, or fresh fruit for added sweetness. Those looking to make their French toast even more special can add ingredients such as bananas, blueberries, chocolate chips, or even bacon for an extra flavor boost. With so many possibilities, French toast can be enjoyed in countless delicious ways!
Can You Make French Toast without Vanilla Extract?
Yes, you can make French toast without vanilla extract. All you have to do is replace it with alternative ingredients that will give your French toast a unique twist. You can use several ingredients. You can also experiment with different types of bread for a more indulgent treat. With the right ingredients and combinations, you can create delicious French toast without vanilla extract.
Vanilla Extract Substitutes
Here are some of the most popular substitutes that can be used in place of vanilla extract:
- Cinnamon powder: It adds an extra layer of flavor and aroma to the dish, sure to tantalize your taste buds. Just make sure not to add too much, as it can easily overpower the other flavors in the dish.
- Maple syrup/honey: Both options will add sweetness and depth of flavor, making your French toast even more delicious.
- Orange juice: If you want to give your French toast a hint of citrus, orange juice is the perfect substitute for vanilla extract. The acidity in orange juice will balance out the sweetness from the sugar, giving your French toast an extra zing!
- Peppermint/Almond extract: While peppermint and almond extracts may not be as common as vanilla extract, they can still be substitutes when making French toast. Both extracts will add a flavor and aroma that will take your dish to the next level.
- Cloves/nutmeg: They have warm and earthy flavors that pair perfectly with sweet ingredients such as butter and maple syrup, creating a unique yet delicious combination.
Tips to Remember
Here are a few tips to remember while making French toast without vanilla extract:
- Choose sturdy bread to hold up when soaked in the egg mixture. Thick slices of challah, brioche, or Texas toast work best.
- Using day-old bread will give you the best results.
- Beat the eggs and milk together until they are combined and slightly frothy. If you don’t have any milk, you can use water instead.
- Grease the frying pan with butter or oil and warm it over medium heat. This will help prevent sticking and give the French toast a nice golden brown color.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture for about 30 seconds on each side, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Cook the French toast until both sides are golden brown, flipping them halfway through cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.
- Serve your French toast with powdered sugar or fresh fruit for extra flavor!
What to serve with French toast
There are numerous delicious options to pair with French toast! From sweet to savory, some popular choices include fresh fruits, yogurt, bacon, sausage, maple syrup, and whipped cream. With limitless possibilities, you can get excited about customizing your French toast dish.
How to Store French Toast
Here’s how to store French toast:
- Allow the French toast to cool to room temperature before storing it.
- Once the French toast has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent air from getting in and keeps the French toast fresh.
- You can store French toast in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to store French toast for longer, you can freeze it for up to six months. To freeze, transfer the slices of French toast to a freezer-safe container and label it with the date.
- To reheat, allow the French toast to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them using one of the above-mentioned methods.
How to Make French Toast Without Vanilla Extract
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
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Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 8 slices bread
Instructions
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, and sugar in a shallow bowl until well combined.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat to make a thin layer.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, and leave for a few seconds to ensure that both sides are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Place the slices of bread onto the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Serve your French Toast warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. Enjoy!
How to Make French Toast Without Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 8 slices bread
Instructions
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, and sugar in a shallow bowl until well combined.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat to make a thin layer.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, and leave for a few seconds to ensure that both sides are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Place the slices of bread onto the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Serve your French Toast warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. Enjoy!
What to do with leftover French toast
Make Bread Pudding
Transforming your leftover French toast into a scrumptious bread pudding is as easy as layering the pieces in a baking dish and pouring a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon on top. Allow the bread to soak for at least 30 minutes, and then bake in the oven until golden. Want the exact recipe? Check out happymuncher.com.
Make Custard
An effortless custard recipe uses the following ingredients: eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together in a bowl, then pour the mixture evenly over the leftover French toast cubes arranged in a lightly greased baking dish. Get the exact recipe at wigglywisdom.com.
What to do with leftover French toast batter?
Don’t let that leftover French toast batter go to waste! Instead, make the decadent Monte Cristo sandwich: a creative assembly of challah or brioche bread, cheese, and turkey stacked to your preference. Find some more creative ideas at bakingkneads. com
FAQ
Can you make French toast with oat milk?
Absolutely! Oat milk provides an excellent dairy-free alternative while maintaining the delicious creamy texture in your French toast recipe. Just swap it in for regular milk, and you’ll have an exciting, allergy-friendly twist on the classic dish.
