A classic and indulgent breakfast, our version uses a few healthy swaps to lighten it up. Healthy French Toast is a real crowd pleaser and perfect for brunch. Light and fluffy French toast loaded with berries - it's made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and it's super simple to make.
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Just 8 ingredients and 10 minutes go into making this Healthy French Toast, and it is much easier to make than you might think. A family favourite that kids will LOVE, it's good for baby led weaning too.
Bursting with orange, maple, vanilla and cinnamon, it's a really warming and comforting breakfast that tastes far more indulgent than it actually is.
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Why You Will Love It
- A delicious brunch to feed a crowd
- Tastes far more indulgent than it is
- Ready in just 10 minutes
- Just 8 ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen
- Easy to customise
- Kids love it
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Wholewheat bread - this is a healthier swap rather than using slices of white bread. It's slightly lower in calories and higher in fibre, meaning it will keep you fuller for longer.
- Eggs - we used whole eggs, as it adds a richer flavour. However, you could use egg whites, you would need to use an extra egg for this.
- Milk - using skimmed milk makes it lower in fat than using whole milk. You can swap this for any milk. Almond milk, oat milk or soy milk will work well for a dairy free option.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
- Orange
- Vanilla
- Maple syrup - you could use honey instead if you don't have any maple syrup.
- Berries, maple syrup, powdered sugar and yogurt - to serve
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
How To Make Healthy French Toast - Step by Step
- Step 1: Add the eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, maple syrup and the orange juice and zest to a bowl.
- Step 2: Whisk well to combine everything.
- Step 3: One by one, dip the slices of bread into the mix until the are fully submerged and soak up all the mixture.
- Step 4: Melt some butter in a frying pan or skillet over a medium heat and then one by one, fry the soaked bread slices for 2-3 minutes each side until golden brown.
Five: Serve with yogurt, berries, powdered sugar and a little more maple syrup.
Healthy Swaps
Traditionally French toast is usually loaded with sugar in the egg mixture and then piled with calorie loaded toppings. We have made a few simple healthy swaps to lighten this up and make it a healthy French toast.
- We have added just a little maple syrup into the egg mixture, but you could leave it out completely. I find that leaving it out makes it taste too savoury. So, just a tablespoon is added.
- We used wholewheat bread instead of white bread or brioche, which is higher in sugar. Wholewheat adds more dietary fibre to this breakfast too. Dietary fibre is important because it is beneficial to your digestive system as a prebiotic. Increasing the amount of fibre in your diet can help you to feel fuller for longer.
- We added juice and zest of half an orange, as it really lightens up the whole recipe with a fresh flavour that doesn't add extra calories. It also adds extra sweetness without having to add more sugar.
- Whilst we used whole eggs to make the mixture that the bread is dipped into, you can just use egg white which will make the recipe lower in fat.
- Using skimmed milk makes it lower in fat than more traditional recipes that use whole milk, however you can substitute it for any milk. Almond milk works well and adds a nice nutty flavour.
We did fry ours in butter, however you could use coconut oil or just add spray oil to the pan instead. The only problem I find with this, is that is does burn more easily.
French Toast Toppings
What is French toast without the toppings? Boring, that's what! Here is where you can get really creative, but also where the calories can add up. Keep the toppings as light as possible, to keep this healthy French toast.
We loaded ours with a mixture of fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries and blueberries), however you could just go with some slices of banana, or go a tropical route with some grilled pineapple and mango. Add a splash of rum and you have yourself a party. Maybe not for breakfast though.
We added some creaminess with a dollop of fat free Greek yogurt. You would usually get some kind of cream with traditional French toast, but we saved some calories and fat with yogurt.
We added an extra drizzle of maple syrup, because life really is too short, however you can leave this out to save some more calories.
Gluten Free French Toast
The only change you need to make to make this gluten free is to swap the bread for your favorite gluten free variety. Everything else is naturally gluten free. Make sure that you are using pure maple syrup though, and not the fake stuff.
Extra Tips
- To freeze, allow to cool to room temperature and then individually wrap and then store in a freezer bag. Once defrosted you can reheat in the toaster.
- Try to use 2 day old bread, as this will stop the French toast from becoming too soggy.
- Make a toddler friendly version of this by leaving out the maple syrup and then cutting it into sticks.
- You can lighten this up even more by using just egg whites, rather than whole eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a much lighter version than traditional French toast as we have used wholewheat bread, less sugar and been careful with the toppings. Healthy is such a subjective word though, and what might be healthy for me might not be healthy for you.
The secret to really good French toast is the bread you use, and making sure that it is a couple days old so it doesn't go too soggy. Also, adding some extra flavours helps to liven it up a bit. We went with warming flavours like orange, cinnamon and nutmeg.
For a really indulgent French toast, you would use slices of brioche. However, we have used wholewheat. You could also use slices of sourdough, French bread, plain white loaf, or challah.
You really can use any bread, and if you want to make this a budget friendly breakfast, then use whatever you have in your kitchen rather than buying something just to make this.
The key when it comes to the bread you do use, is making sure that it isn't fresh. You want to use slices that are a couple of days old, so the bread doesn't become too soggy when soaked. If all you have it fresh bread, then you can lightly toast it before you soak it.
Whilst we haven't tried this ourselves, you can use a little cornstarch. This will help to thicken the milk and helps the batter stick to the bread. You will still get crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside French toast, even without the egg.
You could either use the cornstarch tip above, or make a "chia seed egg". Simply leave out the eggs and add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the milk and rest of the ingredients. You would need to use a plant based milk like almond or coconut and make sure that your bread is vegan friendly.
Yes, these are great for baby led weaning. Follow the instructions below to cut them into sticks and then leave out the maple syrup, as babies don't need the added sugar. Serve with some yogurt on the side and your little one can practise their dipping skills.
These are really easy to make into sticks. Cut them into 1 inch wide sticks and then dip them in the egg mixture and follow the rest of the instructions.
You could also follow our Air Fryer french Toast Sticks recipe.
French toast actually holds up really well in the freezer. Firstly, make sure you don't add any toppings to it. Then, wait for it to fully cool to room temperature and then individually wrap the leftovers and then place in freezer bags or an airtight container. This will then keep fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Once defrosted, you can stick it in the toaster to warm it up or in the oven for 5-10 minutes.
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
If you've tried this healthy French toast recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Healthy French Toast
Ingredients
- 4 slice Whole wheat bread
- 2 Eggs
- 200 ml (0.75 cups) Skimmed milk
- 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 Orange - juice and zest only
- 0.5 tablespoon Butter
Instructions
- Add 2 Eggs, 200 ml Skimmed milk, 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon, 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg, 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon Maple syrup and the juice and zest of 0.5 Orange to a bowl and mix well.
- Dip 4 slice Whole wheat bread into the mixture one slice at a time until the mixture soaks into it.
- Add 0.5 tablespoon Butter to a pan and add the soaked slices of bread. Cook for around 2-3 minutes on each side, turned every minute or so.
Recipe Tips
- To freeze, allow to cool to room temperature and then individually wrap and then store in a freezer bag. Once defrosted you can reheat in the toaster.
- Try to use 2 day old bread, as this will stop the French toast from becoming too soggy.
- Make a toddler friendly version of this by leaving out the maple syrup and then cutting it in to sticks.
- You can lighten this up even more by using just egg whites, rather than whole eggs.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Hayley says
These smelled delicious but we’re exceedingly soggy… I noticed that it says 200 ML or 1 cup of milk, but 1 cup is actually closer to 250 ml. Maybe it’s because that measurement is off? I don’t usually put more than a couple tablespoons of milk in my French toast mixture.
Hayley says
*were not we’re
Claudia Lamascolo says
I love this addition of flavors wow what a healthy alternative!
Khloe says
hi! I tried making this this morning for my daughter, but the bread was soggy no matter what. I think I did too much liquid! When you say 0.5 of orange juice and zest do u mean a 1/2 cup of orange juice or a 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed orange juice ?
Dannii says
Sorry it didn't turn out well. But I think the issue was too much liquid, as you have used cup measurements for the orange juice. 0.5 refers to half an orange. So, squeeze the juice out of half a fresh orange. As you can see in the photo of the ingredients, a fresh orange is used.
Anthony says
Hi, I made it this morning and used only half an orange zest and no juice, I dipped the bread in the mixture for only about 10 seconds either side before going straight into the pan and the bread held together. Was brilliant and super tasty with some mixed Berries and low fat Greek yoghurt
Dannii says
So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for leaving a comment :)
Jonathan says
I made these but something was off. They were jiggly in the middle like jello and no matter how long I kept it on the griddle, the gooeyness would not go away. Lost cause this morning. I calculated for 4 servings. Trying to figure out what went wrong.
Dannii says
We haven't used a griddle to make this, only a frying pan. Also, as you mention the words jello, I presume you are in the US? I think your supermarket eggs are a lot bigger than ours in the UK, so that might have something to do with it too. However, even if the bread was totally soaked with the mixture, it should have still cooked after further cooking in the pan.
Kacie Morgan says
Okay so I have a confession; I've never ever made French toast! Love the look of your recipe though - great idea to swap white bread for wholewheat bread to make it healthier.
Roxana says
Oh my God, that looks so decadent. When I look at the ingredients, they are all so light and yet so mouth watering results.
KGM says
What is 2 day old bread? I buy a loaf at the grocery store, so I'm assuming that works....correct?
Dannii says
When you buy it, it is fresh. Once opened and you start to use the loaf, 2 days later you can use some of that loaf to make this recipe. Slightly stale bread works better for French toast. You can just use fresh bread though.
Jacqueline says
LOVE this recipe! French toast seems so luxurious but it really takes such simple ingredients! I love the thought of grilled pineapple with mango and coconut cream - totally trying that!
Cathleen says
I love eating french toast, but rarely make it. Bookmarked to make for tomorrow morning, thanks for the recipe :)