Out of Eggs, one case
Egg substitute for French toast
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cornstarch + milk
1 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup milk for every egg
Whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into each ¼ cup of milk to replace each egg in the soaking custard. The starch sets on the hot pan the way egg does and gives a golden crust. Chickpea flour gives the most egg-like taste, and mashed banana makes a sweeter version.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- The tweak —
- Whisk until smooth, re-stir before each dip because the starch settles, and cook over medium heat in butter or oil.
- Best for —
- classic French toast
- Pantry —
- Likely in your cupboard
One casethe full eggs card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 egg | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornstarch + milkclassic French toast | 1 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup milkTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Chickpea flour + watersavory French toast | 2 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp waterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Mashed ripe bananasweet French toast | ½ bananaYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Liquid egg substitutelower-fat French toast | ¼ cupWorks | Works |
Cornstarch + milk
milder than egg; crisp outside, soft inside
A thin starch custard. It soaks in like the egg mixture and firms when it hits the heat.
- Best for
- classic French toast, egg-allergy breakfasts, vegan French toast with plant milk
- Prep
- Whisk until smooth, re-stir before each dip because the starch settles, and cook over medium heat in butter or oil.
- Where it fails
- A very custardy, thick-cut French toast; the center stays more bready.
Chickpea flour + water
savory and slightly nutty
High in protein, so it browns and sets firmly. The flavor is the closest to egg.
- Best for
- savory French toast, vegan brunch
- Prep
- Whisk smooth, thin with milk to a pourable batter, and cook through; raw chickpea flour tastes beany.
- Suits
- vegan, gluten-free
- Where it fails
- Quick cooking; underdone, it tastes raw.
Mashed ripe banana
banana, sweet; softer
Blended with the milk, banana thickens the soak and caramelizes in the pan.
- Best for
- sweet French toast, kids’ breakfasts
- Prep
- Blend or mash completely smooth with the milk. Cook over medium-low heat; the sugar burns fast.
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Savory toppings, and high heat.
Liquid egg substitute
leaner than whole egg
Carton egg product made from egg whites. It behaves like beaten egg.
- Best for
- lower-fat French toast
- Contains
- eggs
- Where it fails
- An egg allergy or a vegan diet; it is real egg.
Tips for substituting eggs
4 tips- Use day-old or lightly toasted bread. It soaks up an egg-free custard without falling apart.
- Soak briefly, 10 to 15 seconds a side. Starch custards make bread soggy faster than egg does.
- A pinch of turmeric gives the yellow color and ¼ tsp cinnamon and vanilla cover the missing egg flavor.
- Cook in butter or oil over medium heat, 3 to 4 minutes a side, until the surface is dry and browned.
Questions
4 questionsCan you make French toast without eggs?
Yes. Soak the bread in milk thickened with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon per ¼ cup of milk for each egg in the recipe.
Can I use just milk for French toast?
Milk alone gives soggy, pale toast. It needs a thickener such as cornstarch, flour, chickpea flour or banana to set.
What is the best vegan substitute for eggs in French toast?
Cornstarch in plant milk for a neutral taste, or chickpea flour for something closer to egg.
Can I use flour instead of cornstarch?
Yes. Use 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per ¼ cup milk and whisk well. The coating is a little more pancake-like.