Quick Answer
French toast is a delicious breakfast dish that typically uses vanilla extract to add depth of flavor. However, if you find yourself out of vanilla, there are several suitable substitutions you can use instead. Some of the most popular vanilla substitutes for French toast include almond extract, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and orange zest. While no subsitute perfectly replicates the flavor of vanilla, these ingredients can provide complementary notes to make tasty French toast.
Vanilla’s Role in French Toast
Vanilla extract is a commonly used ingredient in French toast recipes. It adds a sweet, fragrant vanilla flavor that complements the cinnamon-egg custard coating of the French toast. The vanilla provides a background note that enhances the other flavors and makes the French toast taste rich and indulgent.
Here are some of the ways that vanilla benefits French toast:
- Adds sweetness: Vanilla has its own inherent sweetness that adds a sugary taste and aroma.
- Enhances custard flavor: Vanilla goes well with egg-based custards, bringing out the creamy flavors.
- Masks egg flavor: Some people find eggs have an unpleasant sulfur-like taste. Vanilla helps cover and mellow the egg flavor.
- Complements cinnamon: Cinnamon and vanilla are often paired together. The spices blend in perfect harmony in French toast.
- Provides depth: Vanilla adds a layer of flavor that makes French toast taste multidimensional.
So in summary, vanilla may not be the star ingredient in French toast, but it definitely plays an important supporting role. Substituting for vanilla extract won’t replicate its exact flavor, but you can get close with the right ingredients.
Best Vanilla Substitutes for French Toast
If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, don’t fret. You can still make delicious French toast with these vanilla substitutes:
Almond Extract
Almond extract has a similar sweet, nutty flavor that can mimic vanilla well in French toast. Use 1 teaspoon of almond extract in place of 1 teaspoon vanilla. While not exactly the same, it provides enough fragrance and sweetness to make great French toast. Just take care not to use too much almond extract as it can overpower.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is an excellent way to add sweetness, depth, and aroma to French toast if you’re out of vanilla. Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of maple syrup in the custard mixture in place of a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Maple syrup contains notes reminiscent of vanilla and will boost the flavor of the French toast beautifully.
Brown Sugar
For a different type of sweetness and warmth, substitute 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for the vanilla in French toast. The molasses notes pair wonderfully with cinnamon. You’ll get sweetness and texture from the sugar crystals too.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is typically used alongside vanilla in French toast recipes. If omitting the vanilla, up the cinnamon amount by about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. This will provide a similar warmth and spice that augments the other ingredients nicely.
Cardamom
Cardamom is an interesting vanilla-like spice that can substitute in French toast. Use about 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom for every teaspoon of vanilla extract. The cardamom will impart sweetness and floral notes.
Nutmeg
Freshly grated nutmeg can fill in for vanilla nicely in French toast custard. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Nutmeg has a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the typical spices used in French toast.
Orange Zest
For a citrusy twist, orange zest makes a refreshing vanilla stand-in. Zest an orange and add about 1 to 2 teaspoons to the custard mixture. The bright, tangy orange flavors contrast beautifully with the cinnamon.
Substitution Ratio for Vanilla in French Toast
Here is a quick reference for how much of each vanilla substitute equals 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract:
| Substitute | Amount |
|---|---|
| Almond extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Maple syrup | 2 to 3 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 1 to 2 tablespoons |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 to 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon |
| Orange zest | 1 to 2 teaspoons |
As you can see, maple syrup and brown sugar will add volume in addition to flavor. Spices like cinnamon and cardamom substitute in smaller doses to avoid overpowering the recipe. Get to know the flavors and make adjustments to suit your tastes.
Choosing the Best Substitute for Your Recipe
The vanilla substitute you choose will depend on the other flavors in your recipe and your personal taste preferences. Here are some tips:
- For classic flavor, use almond extract. It comes closest to vanilla.
- Maple syrup works well in recipes already containing maple syrup or a warm spice like cinnamon.
- Brown sugar amplifies the sweetness and gives a nice texture contrast.
- Enhance spice flavors with more cinnamon or additions like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger.
- Orange zest livens up the flavor with brightness.
- For an extra egg-rich custard, omit the vanilla entirely.
Think about the overall flavor profile you want to achieve. Maple syrup and orange zest will lead to bolder, more distinct flavors. Almond extract and spices seamlessly supplement the existing flavors. Sweeteners like brown sugar simply make the French toast taste sweeter.
How to Make French Toast Without Vanilla
Making great French toast without vanilla is easy. Follow the same basic method you would normally use.
Ingredients:
- Bread of choice (usually thicker sliced bread works best)
- Eggs
- Milk or half and half
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla substitute such as maple syrup, brown sugar, almond extract, etc.
- Butter, oil, or cooking spray for the pan
- Optional ingredients: nutmeg, cardamom, orange zest, etc.
Directions:
- Beat together eggs, milk, and your desired amount of vanilla substitute in a shallow dish.
- Add cinnamon and any other spices or flavorings.
- Dip the bread in the egg mixture, coating both sides well.
- Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the soaked bread until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve the French toast warm with desired toppings like syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
That’s all there is to it! The vanilla substitute adds plenty of flavor to the simple ingredients.
How to Make Your Own Vanilla Extract
If you find yourself regularly needing vanilla extract but running out, consider making your own homemade vanilla extract. All you need are vanilla beans, alcohol, and patience.
The vanilla beans infuse the alcohol with flavor over several months. Bourbon or vodka are commonly used, since they have a neutral flavor that won’t interfere with the vanilla.
Ingredients:
- 3-6 vanilla beans
- 8 oz vodka or bourbon
- Glass jar with tight sealing lid
Instructions:
- Split the vanilla beans lengthwise down the center using a sharp knife. This exposes more surface area to the alcohol.
- Place the split beans in the glass jar. Pour in the vodka or bourbon.
- Seal the jar tightly. Store it in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months, shaking occasionally.
- After 3 months, the vanilla is ready to use. Remove the beans before using. Attach new beans to make it stronger if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade vanilla extract in French toast, baked goods, and any recipe calling for vanilla!
Homemade vanilla extract also makes a great gift for bakers. Prepare it during the holidays so it’s aged in time for gifting.
Final Takeaways
Vanilla may be a standard ingredient in French toast, but you can certainly make delicious vanilla-free versions as well. A number of extracts, sweeteners, and spices can mimic vanilla’s flavors. Almond extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup are especially popular options.
Consider the overall flavor profile and ingredients in the recipe when choosing what to substitute for vanilla. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg blend seamlessly, while citrus zest and strong extracts make a bolder statement.
With a simple egg custard and a flavorful vanilla stand-in, you can enjoy fluffy, comforting French toast anytime. And for a consistent supply of vanilla, try your hand at making homemade vanilla extract. A few beans, alcohol, and patience are all it takes to always have vanilla within reach.