French toast is a weekend morning staple in so many homes, conjuring up images of cozy breakfasts enjoyed in pajamas.

But let’s be honest, traditional french toast can sometimes feel like a bit of an indulgence, can’t it?

I’ve always loved french toast, but I wanted to create a version that felt a little lighter, a little brighter, and maybe even a little more interesting.

That’s where the idea for this Spiced Chai Soak came in. Instead of the usual custard base, I use a flavorful chai tea infused with warm spices, creating a truly special start to your day.

The aroma alone, while the bread soaks, is simply divine. Think cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger melding together in a symphony of scents.

This recipe provides a healthier spin on a beloved classic without sacrificing any of the comforting flavors we all crave.

So, if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy french toast, or simply want to add a touch of spice to your breakfast routine, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve always loved a good French toast. It’s simple comfort food.

But the traditional recipes can be a bit heavy, can’t they? All that cream and sugar, while delicious, doesn’t always leave you feeling your best. That’s why I set out to create a healthier version, without sacrificing any of the flavor or that wonderful, custardy texture. And of course, add a little twist.

The key is in using the right ingredients. Whole wheat bread gives you a boost of fiber. Using almond milk keeps things lighter than traditional cream without losing that key creamy texture.

And the eggs, of course, are essential. They provide the protein and help create that perfect, golden-brown crust.

Now, for my special touch: the Spiced Chai Soak. Oh my goodness, it takes this healthy French toast to another level.

The warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger infuse every bite with a comforting aroma and flavor. It’s a delightful alternative to plain vanilla extract. I steep the spices in warm almond milk to create the chai base. This ensures the spices are fully bloomed and the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the French toast.

Using a skillet over the stovetop allows for better control. We can get that perfect level of golden brown and custardy interior without burning it. I like to add a touch of coconut oil to the pan for a subtle hint of flavor and help with browning.

With a few simple swaps and this delicious Spiced Chai Soak, you can enjoy French toast without any of the guilt.

Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle, wouldn’t you agree? This recipe for healthy French toast is extra special because we are giving it a spiced chai soak. It adds a beautiful warmth and complexity that is just divine.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy breakfast:

• Bread: 6 slices of whole-wheat bread (or gluten-free, if preferred)
• Milk: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like)
• Eggs: 2 large eggs
• Chai Tea Bag: 1 bag of your favorite spiced chai
• Sweetener: 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, agave)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of Salt: Just a little pinch to enhance the flavors
• Coconut Oil: For greasing the pan
• Optional Toppings: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup

The chai tea bag is our little secret weapon. Steeping it in the milk mixture infuses every bite with fragrant spices. Believe me, y’all, it makes all the difference.

Once you have all of these ingredients, you’re ready to start creating a breakfast that’s both good for you and incredibly satisfying. Let’s move on to the easy step-by-step instructions!

French toast brings back the best memories, doesn’t it? Weekends at home, big family breakfasts, all that good stuff. This recipe keeps all the cozy feelings but lightens things up a bit. The secret? I’ve swapped out some ingredients and infused a warm spiced chai flavor into the soak. It’s a little twist on a classic that I think y’all will just love.

1. Whisk Together the Chai-Spiced Soak

In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, 2 large eggs (or 4 egg whites for an even lighter version), 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of chai spice blend. Be sure to get it nice and combined.

The chai spice is the star here. You can buy a pre-made blend or make your own with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of nutmeg.

2. Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the chai-spiced mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Don’t let it sit too long, just a quick dunk is all you need, unless you like a very soft French toast.

I recommend using whole wheat bread, brioche, or challah. Any of these work great! The choice is really up to your personal preference.

3. Cook the French Toast

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or large skillet over medium heat. I like to use coconut oil, but any neutral oil will do.

Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. Fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of Greek yogurt are all delicious choices.

And there you have it. A lighter, chai-spiced take on French toast that’s perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast. Enjoy!

Now, let’s talk about serving up this delightful Spiced Chai French Toast. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and special.

My favorite way is simply with a dusting of powdered sugar. Sometimes, the simplest things are the best, aren’t they?

But don’t let that limit you! Fresh berries are always a welcome addition, especially if you have some local strawberries or blueberries on hand.

A dollop of Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang and a boost of protein. It’s a lighter alternative to whipped cream that still feels indulgent.

Consider a drizzle of pure maple syrup, but go easy on it. The Spiced Chai soak already lends a subtle sweetness to the French toast. You want to complement the flavors, not overpower them.

If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add a delightful crunch. Pecans or walnuts would be particularly nice with the chai spices.

For a truly decadent experience, try serving it with a homemade fruit compote. Peaches or apples, cooked down with a little cinnamon, would pair beautifully.

Remember, the key is to let the warm, spiced flavors of the French toast shine. Choose toppings that enhance, rather than mask, that wonderful chai essence. I think y’all will find it a pleasing start to any day or a sweet treat on the weekend.

Now, let’s talk leftovers. If you’re lucky enough to have any of this Spiced Chai French Toast remaining, you’ll want to store it properly.

Storing: Allow the French toast to cool completely. Then, stack the slices in an airtight container, separating each layer with a piece of parchment or wax paper. This prevents them from sticking together.

You can store the French toast in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a quick and easy breakfast option to have on hand!

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled French toast. Again, be sure to separate the slices with parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen French toast will keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheating is a breeze. From the refrigerator, you can pop a slice or two in the toaster until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet with a little butter or oil, turning occasionally, or warm it in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, the toaster or skillet are your best bets.

The oven works, too! Just arrange the slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This will help to crisp them up nicely.

Reusing: Beyond a simple reheat, leftover Spiced Chai French Toast can be transformed! Crumble it up and use it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, or even a cobbler. It adds a lovely warm spice.

You can also cut it into cubes and bake it into a bread pudding. The chai spices pair wonderfully with the creamy custard. Delicious!

Now, while I adore this Spiced Chai Soak for my healthy French toast, I also understand that sometimes you need to work with what you have on hand. Or maybe you just want to put your own spin on things. That’s perfectly alright by me! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try.

• Bread: Feel free to use your favorite type of bread. Whole wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread work well. For an extra treat, try using brioche or challah, but keep in mind these will be richer.
• Milk: Any kind of milk will do here. Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk can all be substituted. Coconut milk would lend a lovely creaminess, though it will change the overall flavor of the Spiced Chai Soak somewhat.
• Sweetener: I prefer maple syrup, but honey, agave, or even a sugar-free substitute can be used. Adjust the amount to your liking. For a brown sugar option, consider adding molasses to your milk mixture for a truly deep flavor.
• Spices: Not a fan of chai spice? No problem! Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices. Or, try a dash of cardamom or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Fruit: Top your French toast with your favorite fruits. Berries, bananas, peaches, or even a dollop of applesauce are all delicious options. A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a nice crunch, too.
• Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) instead of the egg.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what you like best. After all, cooking should be fun. I hope these ideas help you create your perfect plate of healthy French toast, Spiced Chai Soak or not. Enjoy, y’all!

I get asked quite a bit about making french toast a little lighter, so I’ve compiled some of the most frequent questions here.

Is healthy french toast really possible?

Absolutely! The key is making smart swaps. Instead of heavy cream, I opt for unsweetened almond milk. And refined sugar? We can skip that entirely. This recipe uses a Spiced Chai Soak, so the warming spices add sweetness, and a touch of maple syrup goes a long way if you need it. Choosing whole-wheat bread also boosts the nutritional value.

What kind of bread is best for healthy french toast?

I always recommend whole-wheat or whole-grain bread. It’s got more fiber, which will keep you feeling full longer. Sourdough is another great option. I recommend slicing your bread thicker than normal, about an inch or so, because it will soak up all the Spiced Chai goodness.

How can I make my healthy french toast more flavorful?

That’s where the Spiced Chai Soak comes in. The blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves infuses the bread with so much warmth. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to the egg mixture, or a pinch of nutmeg. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices to find your favorite flavor combination.

What are some healthy toppings for french toast?

Fresh berries are always a winner. They add sweetness, antioxidants, and a burst of flavor. A dollop of Greek yogurt provides protein and creaminess. You could also sprinkle on some chopped nuts for healthy fats and crunch. If you want a little extra sweetness, a drizzle of pure maple syrup is perfect, but remember a little goes a long way. You could also use a homemade fruit compote, perhaps a berry compote or a peach compote depending on the season.

Can I make healthy french toast ahead of time?

You sure can! You can whisk together the Spiced Chai Soak the night before and store it in the refrigerator. It actually gives the flavors more time to meld together. You can also cook the french toast and then freeze it for later. Just reheat it in the toaster or oven when you’re ready to eat.