Gluten NOT Required! Enjoy This Gluten-Free French Toast Recipe

Golden, buttery, and safe for gluten free eaters, this French toast proves you can still have your favorite breakfast without the wheat.

I still remember the first time I tried making gluten free French toast. My cousin was visiting from out of town, and she has celiac disease. I didn’t want her to feel left out when the rest of us were having my usual Saturday morning French toast spread, so I decided to experiment. The first few rounds were soggy and sad. Turns out, not all gluten free breads are up for the job. But once I found a loaf with the right density and flavor, the rest came together like a charm.

The twist that really made it shine was adding just a touch of maple syrup right into the custard. It brings out that deep breakfast flavor without needing as much on top. The result is crisp on the edges, creamy in the middle, and downright delicious with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of fruit preserves.

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Why This Gluten Free French Toast Works

Gluten free French toast can be a bit of a gamble. The wrong bread falls apart, turns gummy, or just doesn’t soak up the custard the way traditional wheat bread does. But this version gets it right with just a few key tricks.

The first is using the right bread. Not all gluten free loaves are created equal. Some crumble into bits at the first sign of moisture. Others stay dry no matter how long they soak. You want something that’s got a sturdy crumb and just enough softness to absorb without falling apart. Canyon Bakehouse and Aldi’s gluten free whole grain both work beautifully, or you can use a homemade gluten free loaf if that’s your thing.

Another reason this recipe works so well is the custard. A touch of brown sugar and maple syrup deepens the flavor and helps create a rich, golden crust. And by cooking it low and slow in a buttery pan, you end up with that perfect combination of crispy edges and a tender center. It tastes like weekend comfort food, without the gluten trouble.

Ingredients For Gluten Free French Toast

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this gluten free French toast:

• 6 slices of sturdy gluten free bread (like Canyon Bakehouse or homemade)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for cooking
• Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit for serving

Your bread choice is the most important ingredient here. The best gluten free bread will feel a little dense but not heavy, and hold its shape when dipped. If your slices are thin or fragile, try letting them dry out slightly before dipping so they don’t get soggy.

Make sure any added ingredients, especially vanilla extract and syrup, are labeled gluten free. Most are, but it’s worth double-checking if you’re cooking for someone with a severe allergy.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Gluten Free French Toast

1. Prep the bread: If your gluten free bread is soft or freshly baked, lay the slices out for 15–30 minutes so they dry out just a bit. This helps them soak up the custard without turning mushy.
2. Make the custard: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
3. Soak the bread: Place one or two slices of bread in the custard. Let them soak for about 20–30 seconds per side, depending on thickness. You want the custard to soak in but not overwhelm the bread.
4. Heat the pan: Warm a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to coat the bottom.
5. Cook the French toast: Place soaked bread in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce heat slightly if the bread is browning too fast before the inside is set.
6. Serve warm: Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, berries, or your favorite toppings. Serve immediately for best texture.

Avoid crowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed and keep finished slices warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.

How To Serve Gluten Free French Toast

This gluten free French toast is comforting on its own, but the toppings and pairings can really make it feel like something special. Whether you’re making a simple breakfast for one or a full spread for brunch guests, there are plenty of ways to make it shine.

Some ideas to get you started:

• Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or caramelized apples
• A dusting of powdered sugar
• Maple syrup or agave nectar
• Whipped cream or coconut cream
• Chopped nuts for texture
• A spoonful of fruit preserves or lemon curd

Pair it with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a hot cup of coffee for a well-rounded meal. For a brunch board idea, serve slices of this French toast alongside mini yogurt parfaits, sausage links, and fresh juice. It looks beautiful and gives everyone a little something to nibble on.

How To Store & Reheat Gluten Free French Toast

Leftover gluten free French toast can be just as good the next day if you store and reheat it the right way. Because gluten free bread tends to dry out faster, it’s important to seal it well and reheat gently.

To store:

• Let slices cool completely.
• Place in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Toaster oven: This is my go-to. Pop it in at 325°F for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the edges.
• Skillet: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a little butter or oil to keep it from drying out.
• Microwave: Use only if you’re in a hurry. It’ll warm it, but you’ll lose the crispness.

You can also freeze cooked slices. Wrap each one individually, freeze flat, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in a toaster oven or skillet.

Substitutions & Variations For Gluten Free French Toast

This gluten free French toast is flexible enough to suit different diets or taste preferences. Here are some ideas for switching it up:

• Dairy free: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk in the custard. Cook in oil or dairy-free butter.
• Egg free: Mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water to replace the eggs. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Flavor twists: Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice for brightness. Try nutmeg or cardamom in place of cinnamon.
• Stuffed version: Sandwich a layer of cream cheese and jam between two slices, dip, and cook as usual.
• Savory spin: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, then top with avocado, eggs, or sautéed mushrooms for a savory brunch dish.

Once you have the base recipe down, you can really make it your own.

FAQs About Gluten Free French Toast

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this gluten free French toast recipe.

1. What’s the best gluten free bread for French toast?
You’ll want to choose a gluten free bread that holds up when soaked. Canyon Bakehouse and Aldi’s gluten free sandwich bread are great store-bought options. If you’re using homemade, let it sit out for a few hours before dipping. Avoid breads that are too airy or crumbly, as they tend to fall apart in the pan.

2. Can I freeze gluten free French toast?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Cool the slices completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Store them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop them straight from frozen into a toaster oven or skillet. They’ll crisp up nicely and taste freshly made.

3. Does gluten free bread get soggy when soaked in custard?
It can if you leave it too long or use the wrong kind of bread. Stick to a sturdy, slightly dry slice, and soak for about 20–30 seconds per side. This is usually enough to absorb flavor without turning to mush. Drying your bread slightly ahead of time helps a lot.

4. How do I make this gluten free French toast dairy free too?
Swap out the milk for any non-dairy milk you like. Oat milk gives it a creamy feel, while almond milk keeps things light. Use oil or vegan butter in the pan instead of traditional butter. The custard still tastes rich and flavorful, even without the dairy.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the custard in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. You can also cook the French toast, then reheat it the next morning in the oven or skillet. If you want to prep a large batch for a crowd, consider turning it into a baked French toast casserole using gluten free bread cubes.

Gluten NOT Required! Enjoy This Gluten-Free French Toast Recipe

Yield: 3 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This Gluten Free French Toast is golden, crisp on the edges, and perfectly custardy in the middle. With a hint of maple syrup and cinnamon in the batter, it’s a cozy weekend breakfast that just happens to be gluten free. Top it off with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or your favorite syrup for a brunch that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

• 6 slices of sturdy gluten free bread (like Canyon Bakehouse or homemade)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for cooking
• Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit for serving

Instructions

1. Lay out the bread slices for 15–30 minutes to dry slightly if they’re soft or fresh.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Dip the bread slices in the custard mixture, soaking for 20–30 seconds on each side.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and coat with butter or oil.
5. Cook the bread slices for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve warm with toppings like syrup, berries, or whipped cream.

Notes

Use a sturdy gluten free bread that doesn’t fall apart when soaked. Canyon Bakehouse and Aldi's brands work well.

Make it dairy free by using plant-based milk and vegan butter or oil.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Try These Recipes Next

If you’re loving this gluten free French toast, here are three more delicious breakfast recipes from This Gal Cooks to try next:

• Cinnamon Roll French Toast – Made with canned cinnamon rolls, this one is sweet, gooey, and perfect for weekend brunch.
• Croissant French Toast Casserole – Rich and custardy with bursts of juicy fruit and cream cheese.
• Overnight French Toast Bake – What’s better than waking up to chocolate pecan pie in masquerading as French Toast?

Each of these has its own twist, so you can mix things up while keeping that same comforting French toast feel. Whether you’re gluten free or just looking for your next breakfast favorite, there’s something here you’ll want to make again and again.