Almond Milk French Toast

This almond milk french toast is dairy free. It also uses challah bread because it makes the best French toast.

French toast is a beloved dessert in France and a favorite breakfast among Americans!

It was created, and is often still today used as a way to repurpose old bread.

Since it is french, I’m sure a baguette would work nicely. However, many American chefs prefer using challah bread.

I personally am among those who do use challah bread. Not only do I usually have some leftover challah around, but it is also the perfect texture for French toast!

Almond milk is one of my preferred milks for dairy free french toast, hence this french toast with almond milk recipe.

If you like this almond milk french toast, you may also like my oat milk french toast.

History of French Toast

French toast actually dates back to ancient Rome.

A recipe from the 4th or 5th century says to fry bread soaked in milk and beaten egg in oil and cover with honey.

There is also a 14th-century German recipe called “poor knights,” a 14th century French recipe, and an Italian 15th-century recipe.

Today, it is known in France as pain perdu, which means “lost bread,” because the stale bread that is used for it would otherwise be “lost.” 

There are 15th-century English recipes for pain perdu, which means it’s had this name for a long time. The dish made its way to England, and from there, to America.

While in America it is a breakfast dish, in France it is for breakfast, for afternoon tea, or for dessert. 

Sometimes, cheese is incorporated into the recipe and then it is served as a starter or main course for lunch or dinner.

What can I use instead of milk for French toast?

All you need is a liquid to soften and saturate the bread, such as a dairy free milk. This recipe uses almond milk.

ARE EGGS DAIRY?

No, eggs are not dairy.  Dairy is milk and any food products made from milk, including cheese, cream, butter, and yogurt. 

So, while eggs are an animal product, they are not dairy. In fact, eggs fall under the protein food group.

How to tell if your eggs are still good

Fill a glass with cool water and submerge the eggs.

If the eggs sink to the bottom and lay flat on their side, they’re still fresh.

If they sink, but stand on one end at the bottom of the glass, the eggs are not as fresh but still good.

An egg that floats to the top is likely spoiled.

Types of Vanilla

Vanilla comes from a pod commonly known as a “vanilla bean”, which comes from the vanilla orchids.

Vanilla pods have been used for flavoring since the Aztecs and was introduced to Europe by a Spanish conquistador, along with cocoa.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is created by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol for some time. This is the most commonly used type of vanilla.

Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is common in Europe and some parts of the Middle East, like Israel. 

It is made from vanilla beans sitting in sugar, vanilla bean powder mixed with sugar, or sugar mixed with vanilla extract.

In some countries, like Italy, you can also find vanilla powdered sugar, which is used for confections.

Vanilla Paste

Vanilla paste is generally a specialty item.  It is a thick paste that contains a blend of the scraped-out vanilla pod seeds and vanilla extract. 

You can use it as you do vanilla extract and it will leave flakes of vanilla bean like you see in vanilla bean ice cream.

Imitation Vanilla

Imitation Vanilla, otherwise known as artificial vanilla or vanilla essence, is made from synthetic vanilla. 

This is the compound that naturally occurs in vanilla beans and gives it its flavor.

Can I use imitation vanilla?

Many will tell you that you should use high quality vanilla, just like they say you should use the best cocoa. 

However, most of us will probably not be willing to pay the hefty price that comes with exceptionally high-quality ingredients.

Overall, vanilla is very expensive, so the extract is as well. 

So, if you’re not going to get regular quality vanilla extract, you might as well use imitation vanilla.

Can vanilla extract be used as a substitute for vanilla beans?

Yes, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla beans. Use about 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for each inch of vanilla bean.

How to Store Vanilla

Pure vanilla extract and other vanilla products should be kept away from heat and light, and should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

RECIPE TIP:

If you want yours soggy in the middle, double the water in this recipe.  Then, let each piece sit in the mixture for a number of seconds before removing.