Mouthwatering Sugar Free French Toast

I used to think giving up sugar meant saying goodbye to weekend French toast forever. My kids would beg for it every Saturday morning, and I’d feel guilty making something I couldn’t enjoy with them anymore.

That’s when I discovered you don’t actually need sugar to make French toast taste amazing. The secret is using the right mix of spices and a touch of vanilla extract. Now I can flip pancakes alongside my family without worrying about my blood sugar, and honestly, none of us even miss the extra sweetness.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

The bread you choose really makes or breaks your French toast, so it’s worth thinking about your options. Thick-cut bread works best since it can soak up the egg mixture without falling apart – think brioche, challah, or even day-old sandwich bread that’s about 3/4 inch thick. If you’re going the low-carb route, there are some great keto breads available at most grocery stores now, or you could use almond flour bread for a gluten-free option. Just make sure whatever bread you pick isn’t too fresh and soft, as slightly stale bread actually absorbs the custard better and gives you that perfect custardy center with a golden exterior.

Options for Substitutions

This sugar-free french toast is pretty adaptable to what you have in your kitchen:

• Splenda: You can swap Splenda for other sugar-free sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener. Start with half the amount if using stevia since it’s much sweeter, or use the same amount for erythritol.
• Bread: Any bread works here – white, whole wheat, brioche, or challah. For low-carb options, try almond flour bread or keto bread. Thicker slices hold up better to the egg mixture.
• Milk: Feel free to use whatever milk you have – almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or heavy cream all work. Heavy cream will make it richer, while plant-based milks keep it lighter.
• Butter: You can use coconut oil, vegetable oil, or even cooking spray for the pan. Butter gives the best flavor, but these alternatives work if you’re dairy-free.
• Nutmeg: Don’t have nutmeg? Skip it or try a pinch of cardamom or allspice instead. The cinnamon is really the star spice here.
• Vanilla extract: Almond extract works as a substitute, but use only half the amount since it’s stronger. You can also leave it out if needed.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making sugar-free French toast is cranking up the heat too high, which causes the outside to burn before the custard center sets properly – keep your pan at medium or medium-low heat for even cooking.

Another common error is not whisking the egg mixture thoroughly enough, leaving you with streaky, uneven coating instead of a smooth custard that coats each slice nicely.

Since sugar-free sweeteners like Splenda don’t caramelize the same way regular sugar does, you won’t get that golden-brown color as easily, so don’t panic if your toast looks a bit pale – it’s still perfectly cooked when it feels firm to the touch.

For the best texture, let each slice soak in the custard mixture for about 30 seconds per side, and make sure your butter is hot and sizzling before adding the bread to prevent sticking.

What to Serve With Sugar Free French Toast?

This sugar free french toast is perfect with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries since they add natural sweetness without any added sugar. You can also drizzle some sugar-free maple syrup on top or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a more filling breakfast, try serving it alongside some crispy turkey bacon or chicken sausage links. A sprinkle of powdered erythritol or a light dusting of cinnamon can also make it feel extra special without breaking your sugar-free goals.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Leftover French toast keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. I like to layer pieces between parchment paper so they don’t stick together. It’s actually great cold the next day if you’re in a rush!

Freeze: French toast freezes really well for busy mornings! Let the slices cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and they’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Warm Up: To enjoy your stored French toast, just pop it in the toaster or toaster oven until heated through and slightly crispy. You can also warm it in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. From frozen, add an extra minute or two until it’s heated all the way through.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1050-1200
• Protein: 26-30 g
• Fat: 38-45 g
• Carbohydrates: 150-170 g

Ingredients

• 8 slices sandwich bread
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp splenda (granular or alternative)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Step 1: Melt Butter and Prepare Spiced Sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp Splenda (granular or alternative)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet or on a griddle set over medium heat.

While the butter is melting, mix together the Splenda (if using granular), cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a small bowl.

Set this spiced mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• spiced sugar mixture from Step 1

In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

If your sugar alternative is not granular, add it to this wet mixture now.

Once mixed, stir in the spiced mixture from Step 1 (if it hasn’t already been added).

Pour the completed custard into a shallow bowl or pie plate to make dipping the bread easier.

I find that using a pie plate gives more room to coat each slice evenly.

Step 3: Dip Bread and Cook the French Toast

• 8 slices sandwich bread
• custard mixture from Step 2
• melted butter from Step 1

Working with one bread slice at a time, dredge or dip each piece thoroughly in the custard mixture from Step 2, making sure both sides are fully coated.

Place the soaked bread onto the heated skillet with the melted butter from Step 1.

Cook each piece for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the eggs are set.

Flip halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides.

Mouthwatering Sugar Free French Toast

Delicious Mouthwatering Sugar Free French Toast recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 17 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 1125 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 8 slices sandwich bread
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp Splenda (granular or alternative)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

 

• Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet or on a griddle set over medium heat. While the butter is melting, mix together the Splenda (if using granular), cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a small bowl. Set this spiced mixture aside for later use.
• In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. If your sugar alternative is not granular, add it to this wet mixture now. Once mixed, stir in the spiced mixture from Step 1 (if it hasn't already been added). Pour the completed custard into a shallow bowl or pie plate to make dipping the bread easier. I find that using a pie plate gives more room to coat each slice evenly.
• Working with one bread slice at a time, dredge or dip each piece thoroughly in the custard mixture from Step 2, making sure both sides are fully coated. Place the soaked bread onto the heated skillet with the melted butter from Step 1. Cook each piece for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the eggs are set. Flip halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides.