The best sourdough French toast is dipped in a creamy vanilla, cinnamon custard. And that’s exactly what my recipe does. You get a delicious balance of sourdough tang, sweet vanilla, and hints of cinnamon in every bite. We love whipping up a batch for lunch and drizzling each slice with warm maple syrup!

stack of toast with berries on top and maple syrup drizzled — Source: Plum Branch Home

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Sourdough French Toast Recipe Inspiration

While preparing meatless meal ideas for the upcoming Lent season I realized I never created a French toast recipe for the blog. So over the past week, I’ve been elbow-deep in the kitchen developing the best sourdough version.

This recipe has the perfect flavor profile with hints of cinnamon and vanilla throughout each bite. The quick and simple soaking method creates amazing flavor without the bread feeling soggy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super simple to whip up for breakfast, lunch, or supper
You can customize the recipe to fit dietary needs
The vanilla and cinnamon make it taste so dang good

Best Tips

Make sure you whisk the custard for 30 seconds to ensure everything is evenly combined (you don’t want to rush this step).
Choosing the right bread makes the biggest difference for French toast.
You’ll want to avoid cooking French toast on too high of heat. It’ll burn the outsides while leaving the inside uncooked.
Always use a medium-low heat, adjusting accordingly.

toast piled up on a plate with maple syrup drizzled over and berries on top — Source: Plum Branch Home

Making Ahead

If you want to make this recipe ahead, follow the instructions and let them cool. Once cooled, wrap each slice individually in parchment paper and place them into a freezer bag or container.

They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy one, pop it into a toaster or the oven on 400 and heat until warm.

Ingredients

sourdough bread
egg
milk (dairy or dairy-free)
ground cinnamon
pure vanilla
raw honey
butter (for pan)

Kitchen Tools You May Need (affiliate links)

How to Make Sourdough French Toast

ingredients being whisked together — Source: Plum Branch Home

In a bowl, whisk together egg, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and honey for 30 seconds to 1 minute (ensure everything is evenly combined).

Heat a pan over medium with butter

hand dipping bread slice into custard mix — Source: Plum Branch Home

Dip pieces of bread one at a time into the egg milk mixture, soaking 30 seconds per side

Let excess drip off and place in pan to cook or on a wire rack until all slices are coated.

2 slices of toast cooking in a pan — Source: Plum Branch Home

Cook on medium-low heat for 3-4 mins on both sides until golden brown.

Repeat until all slices are cooked

Serve with maple syrup and berries

Recipe Variations

Bread Substitutes

store bought sourdough
brioche sourdough bread
seeded whole wheat sourdough

Sweetener Substitutes

pure cane sugar
pure maple syrup
date syrup
agave syrup

Milk Substitutes

oat milk
cashew milk
buttermilk
whole milk

Storing French Toast

Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days in the fridge.

2 slices of toast with syrup covering them — Source: Plum Branch Home

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat leftover French toast is in the oven on a sheet pan for 5-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also reheat slices in the toaster if you choose. I don’t recommend the microwave, it’ll make them soggy and zap the flavor.

Recipe FAQ

Should French toast be dipped or soaked?

The debate about whether French toast should be dipped or soaked is full of different opinions. Many say to soak slices for 20 minutes each while others say just do a quick dip, no soaking. I’ve found doing a 30-second soak on both sides of a slice creates the perfect flavor and texture.

Is sourdough French toast good?

Oh yes, sourdough French toast has an amazing flavor! Each bite is full of a sweet tang that is hard to get with any other version.

What is the best bread for French toast?

I think the best bread for French toast has to be regular sourdough or sourdough brioche.

Does sourdough bread make French toast good?

Yes, sourdough bread adds the perfect flavor profile to French toast.

Can I use store bought bread?

Yes, you can use store-bought sourdough for this recipe.

Why does my homemade French toast taste like eggs?

This happens when the custard mixture hasn’t been whisked enough. Next time you make this recipe try whisking for a solid 30 seconds to 1 minute. It’ll help a ton.

How can I make French toast vegan?

Yes, you can make French toast vegan. Use dairy-free milk and butter, substitute ground flax seed for the egg, and maple syrup for honey.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, just use a dairy-free butter and milk. I love using my homemade cashew cream.

Can I substitute applesauce for the egg in French toast?

Yes, you can use unsweetened apple sauce. I do recommend also adding ground flax seed to help with texture.

I don’t like cinnamon can I leave it out?

Definitely! It’s just for flavor so if you don’t like it, no worries.

How do you make French toast not soggy?

Cook your French toast low and slow on medium-low heat. When you cook the slices on a higher heat the inside stays soggy.

Why is sourdough a healthier choice?

Sourdough is a fermented food meaning it provides beneficial cultures for gut health when eating it.

Is brioche or sourdough better for French toast?

Both breads are great to use. If you want the best of both worlds try a brioche sourdough bread.

What heat do I cook French toast at?

Cook each slice on a medium-low adjusting as needed.

Try These Sourdough Breakfast Recipes

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