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This Instant Pot French toast bake comes packed with tremendous nutritional health benefits, it’s rich in fiber, completely cholesterol-free, and loaded with antioxidants while also providing a balanced dose of plant-based protein, essential vitamins, and minerals for a well-rounded, nourishing start to your day.
Traditional French toast often relies on eggs and dairy to create its custard-like base, but this Instant Pot French toast recipe reimagines that classic by using chickpea flour and plant-based milk.
The addition of apple cider vinegar not only enhances the texture but also gives a slight tang that balances the sweetness of maple syrup and the warmth of spices.
In my years of experimenting, I’ve found that using the Instant Pot for a French toast bake allows for a uniform distribution of heat, which results in an impeccably moist interior and a delicately crisp exterior, something that can be challenging to achieve with conventional methods.
The gentle, pressurized environment of the Instant Pot ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, while the layering method lets each bite capture the essence of both the bread and the infused fruits.
When serving, garnishing with fresh fruits and a drizzle of maple syrup not only enhances the dish’s flavor but also elevates its presentation to a level that’s sure to impress any guest.
✅ Read the entire article to ensure you’re fully prepared with all the necessary equipment and ingredients. The full recipe and cooking instructions are below.
Key Ingredients Used for this Instant Pot French Toast Recipe
Here are some of the key ingredients for this Instant Pot blueberry french toast:
1. Gluten-Free Bread
- The foundation of any great French toast recipe is its bread. For an Instant Pot version, choose dense stale gluten‑free bread.
- This type of bread can soak up the custard mixture without disintegrating, ensuring each slice maintains its structure and absorbs all the flavors.
2. Plant-Based Milk
- Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk work beautifully in vegan French toast. Plant-based milk adds creaminess and creates that classic custard base.
- Its subtle flavor pairs perfectly with the spices and sweeteners, making it a vital ingredient.
3. Maple Syrup
- Acting as both a sweetener and flavor enhancer, maple syrup adds depth and a natural sweetness that harmonizes with the spices.
- Its viscous texture also helps bind the batter and creates a caramelized finish on the toast.
4. Chickpea Flour
- Chickpea flour is the secret weapon in many vegan French toast recipes. It acts as a binder, giving the batter a thicker consistency while also adding a boost of protein.
- This ingredient ensures the custard-like texture is maintained even without eggs.
5. Natural Sweeteners and Spices
- Maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness, along with vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- These ingredients infuse the custard with warm, inviting flavors that evoke the classic French toast experience. The spices not only complement the sweet notes but also add a depth of flavor.
- Additional spices like cardamom or ginger can be used to tailor the taste further.
6. Fresh Fruits
- Fresh or frozen blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, sliced bananas, or other seasonal fruits can be added for extra flavor and nutritional benefits.
- These fruits provide natural sweetness, antioxidants, and a burst of color that enhances the presentation.
Equipment Needed for this French Toast Recipe
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- Instant Pot: A 6‑quart Instant Pot is ideal for creating a moist, custard-like French toast bake. It uses pressure cooking to lock in moisture and flavor while creating a custard that’s evenly cooked throughout.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls, one large bowl for whisking the custard mixture and a smaller one if you plan to prepare any fruit toppings or additional ingredients separately.
- Heatproof Baking Dish: A secondary baking dish (preferably a glass or ceramic dish) that fits inside the Instant Pot (pot-in-pot set up). This setup prevents the custard from being diluted by the water used to build pressure.
- Trivet: A trivet will elevate the baking dish above the water, preventing soggy bottoms.
- Whisk: A good whisk is essential for blending wet ingredients (plant-based milk, maple syrup, chickpea flour, and spices) smoothly, ensuring that no lumps remain.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in balancing flavors, so having a reliable set of measuring cups and spoons ensures each ingredient is added in the right amount.
- Cutting Board and Knife: These basic tools are necessary for chopping fruits or slicing the bread if it isn’t pre-sliced. A sharp knife makes the process easier and more precise.
- Oven-Safe Tray: You may need this for broiling post-pressure cooking to add crispy edges.
- Spatula: A silicone spatula is ideal for gently folding fruits into the batter and transferring the mixture into the Instant Pot without damaging the soaked bread.
- Silicone Brush: Using a silicone brush to grease the Instant Pot liner with coconut oil helps prevent sticking and promotes a beautiful golden finish on your French toast.
- Broiler or Oven: While the Instant Pot ensures a moist, custardy interior, finishing the dish under the broiler gives the French toast a beautifully crisp top.
Nutritional Benefits of this Instant Pot French Toast Bagel
This French toast in Instant Pot is a breakfast nutritional powerhouse with many health benefits:
- Low in Cholesterol: Being a vegan recipe, this French toast contains no cholesterol. Replacing traditional dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives is beneficial for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and bananas add a natural boost of antioxidants. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and support overall well-being.
- Balanced Energy: The combination of complex carbohydrates from gluten‑free bread and healthy fats from plant-based ingredients provides sustained energy. This makes it a perfect breakfast option to kickstart your day.
- High in Plant-Based Protein: The use of chickpea flour is a smart alternative to eggs, offering a plant-based source of protein that’s crucial for muscle repair and overall health.
- High in Fiber: Gluten‑free bread and the addition of fruits provide dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels and contribute to a feeling of fullness.
What to Serve with French Toast
Turn this French toast into a brunch spread or cozy breakfast with these pairings:
1. Classic Combos
For a timeless breakfast experience, these classic combos pair perfectly with your Instant Pot French toast while keeping everything vegan and cholesterol-free:
- Maple Syrup & Fresh Berries: A drizzle of pure maple syrup over French toast paired with a medley of fresh berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) creates a classic, comforting blend of sweet and tangy flavors that never goes out of style.
- Tofu Scramble: Serve your French toast alongside a savory tofu scramble seasoned with turmeric, black salt, and nutritional yeast. This combo offers a delightful contrast, sweet, custardy toast balanced with a hearty, protein-packed tofu scramble.
- Vegan Sausage Patties: Vegan sausage patties add a savory, satisfying element to the meal. Their robust flavor complements the rich custard of the French toast, delivering a balanced mix of sweet and savory that’s perfect for a filling breakfast.
- Crispy Hash Browns: Add a crunchy side of oven-baked hash browns seasoned with herbs and a touch of olive oil. The crispy texture provides a wonderful contrast to the soft French toast, making for a well-rounded, satisfying plate.
2. Beverage Pairings
Here are some great choices:
- Vegan Matcha Latte: A creamy, antioxidant-rich green tea latte made with oat or almond milk and lightly sweetened with maple syrup. Its earthy notes contrast beautifully with the sweet, custardy French toast.
- Golden Turmeric Milk: A nourishing anti-inflammatory drink with turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper, blended with coconut or almond milk.
- Vegan Hot Chocolate: Made with dairy-free chocolate, coconut milk, and a touch of vanilla, this indulgent drink pairs well with a lightly sweet French toast.
- Dark Roast Black Coffee or Cold Brew: The slight bitterness of coffee balances the natural sweetness of French toast, making it a classic pairing.
- Fresh Orange Juice or Citrus Blend: A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (or a citrus blend with grapefruit and pineapple) adds brightness and vitamin C to the meal.
- Berry & Banana Smoothie: A creamy smoothie made with frozen berries, banana, and almond or oat milk offers a refreshing, fruity complement.
- Iced Vanilla Almond Milk Latte: A smooth and slightly sweet latte made with chilled espresso and almond milk for a cool, energizing pairing.
- Homemade Almond Horchata: A naturally sweet, cinnamon-infused rice and almond milk drink that pairs beautifully with warm French toast.
3. Brunch Pairings
Brunch is all about variety, balance, and indulgence. Pair your Instant Pot French toast with these dishes to create a satisfying and well-rounded brunch experience:
- Sweet Potato Home Fries: Oven-roasted or air-fried sweet potato cubes seasoned with garlic and paprika offer a crispy, slightly sweet contrast to your meal.
- Fruit Salad with Citrus Drizzle: A vibrant medley of mango, kiwi, strawberries, and oranges tossed in a light citrus dressing provides a bright, juicy complement.
- Coconut Yogurt with Granola & Berries: A creamy, probiotic-rich coconut yogurt topped with crunchy granola and fresh berries adds a refreshing element to your plate.
- Zucchini & Corn Fritters: Crispy yet soft fritters with fresh zucchini, corn, and a hint of cumin add a unique, mildly sweet touch.
Quick Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot French Toast
- Bread Matters: Use a high-quality gluten-free bread that holds up well to soaking. Stale or day-old bread works best.
- Custard Consistency: The chickpea flour not only adds protein but also helps bind the custard. Make sure it’s whisked thoroughly to avoid clumps.
- Don’t Rush the Soak: Allowing the bread to soak for a full 10 minutes really helps absorb all the flavors.
- Blueberry Boost: Fresh blueberries are ideal; however, if you’re using frozen, let them thaw slightly and drain excess water.
- Layering: If you’re preparing this as a bake in the Instant Pot, try overlapping the bread slightly for a more uniform texture.
- Pressure Cooking Tip: Always use a pot-in-pot method to avoid the bread becoming soggy from direct contact with the water.
- Finishing Touch: A brief broil in the oven gives a wonderful crispy top, enhancing both texture and flavor.
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Using the Instant Pot for French toast might sound unconventional, but it truly elevates the dish. The pressure cooking locks in flavors and creates a custard that’s uniformly smooth.
Every element of this Instant Pot French toast recipe is designed to work in harmony. From the precision of the custard’s ingredients to the careful layering of the bread and fruit, it’s all about technique.
So, gather your ingredients, set your Instant Pot, and get ready to create a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delightful.
The Best Instant Pot French Toast Recipe (Vegan and Gluten-Free)
Description
This vegan and gluten-free instant pot French toast recipe is a fuss-free, cholesterol-free breakfast bursting with warm cinnamon flavor and juicy blueberries and strawberries.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
Fruits & Extras
Toppings (Optional)
Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Batter
Prepare Your Gluten-Free Bread
- If using a loaf of gluten-free bread, slice it into thick pieces (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick).
- Alternatively, if using gluten-free bagels, slice them in half horizontally.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, chickpea flour, and apple cider vinegar.
- Make sure the chickpea flour is fully dissolved so that there are no lumps.
- This combination creates a creamy and smooth base for your French toast.
Spice It Up
- Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the wet mixture.
- Stir thoroughly to incorporate the spices evenly.
- If you’re a fan of extra spice, feel free to add a pinch more cinnamon or even a dash of cardamom.
Soaking the Bread
Arrange the Bread
- Lay out your gluten-free bread slices in a shallow dish that is large enough to accommodate them in a single layer.
- Overlap slightly if needed, but try to keep an even layer.
Soak
- Pour the batter over the bread slices, ensuring that every piece is evenly coated.
- Allow the bread to soak for 10 minutes.
- This soaking time is crucial as it helps the bread absorb all the flavors and remain moist during cooking.
Incorporating Fruits
Add Mixed Berries & Bananas
- Gently fold in the fresh mixed berries and banana slices after the bread has soaked.
- (optional) Sprinkle chopped nuts over the mixture for added texture and crunch.
Setting Up the Instant Pot
Prepare the Outer Pot
- Lightly grease the inner pot of your instant pot with coconut oil.
- This ensures that the French toast won’t stick and will develop a beautiful golden color.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your instant pot.
- This water is essential for creating the steam that will pressure cook your dish.
Assemble the Pot-in-Pot
- Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil (or a silicone cover if available) to prevent excess condensation from diluting the custard.
- Carefully place the covered baking dish on the trivet inside the instant pot.
- This setup is crucial to avoid direct contact with the water, ensuring an even bake.
Pressure Cooking
- Close the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.”
- Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure.
- Set the timer for 10 minutes. This might vary slightly depending on your Instant Pot model.
- Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes.
- Then, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Final Touches and Serving
Broil for Crispness (Optional)
- If you prefer a slightly crispy top, carefully remove the baking dish from the Instant Pot.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler, transfer the dish to an oven-safe tray, and broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
- Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
Serving
- Once finished, let the French toast cool slightly before slicing.
- Top with additional maple syrup or vegan butter, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh mint leaves, and a few extra berries if desired.
- Slice into portions, serve warm, and enjoy with a dollop of vegan yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 slice
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 250mg11%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 7g15%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 6 mg
- Calcium 120 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin E 8 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use stale gluten-free bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too mushy.
- For a richer flavor, use coconut milk instead of almond milk.
- Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can bake this in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
