Lactose-Free French Toast & Berries
I am partnering with my friends at The Dairy Alliance for this lactose-free French toast recipe.
This lactose-free French toast is so simple to make. Thick slices of Texas toast are dipped in a vanilla batter made with lactose-free milk, browned on the griddle and topped with strawberries, blueberries and a hint of powdered sugar. It belongs in the same family as my strawberry French toast roll-ups and very berry French toast casserole, only quicker.
Before you get started, my most helpful tip is to not let the bread get too soggy, because your results will not be as spectacular as they could be. A quick coat on each side is all it needs. In fact, that same rule is what makes an easy French toast board and my sausage French toast roll-ups turn out golden every time.
Moreover, this recipe is ideal for breakfast with the family or for brunch if you are hosting friends, and you can never go wrong making it for dinner. Serve it next to blueberry pancakes or strawberries and cream waffles for a full spread, or simply enjoy it on its own.
What Is Lactose-Free French Toast?
It is classic French toast made with lactose-free milk in place of regular milk. Lactose-free milk is milk from cows, but without the lactose. Lactose is the natural sugar in milk, and many people have trouble digesting it, so lactose-free milk is an alternative for people with lactose sensitivity.
Lactose-free milk is easy to substitute in recipes and cooks just like regular dairy milk. The brand does not matter, because it has the same nutrients as regular milk. The only thing missing is the lactose, and you will not be able to tell the difference.
Lactose-Free French Toast Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
This is a short list, and each ingredient has a job to do:
Texas Toast
Thick-sliced bread holds up to the batter and stays soft in the center. If you need a good loaf, here is where to find fresh bread in Atlanta.
Eggs
Eggs are the base of the batter and give the bread its golden crust.
Lactose-Free Milk
It makes the batter smooth and creamy, just as regular milk would.
Real Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds the warm, familiar French toast flavor.
Salt
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Butter
A little butter on the griddle helps the bread brown.
Strawberries & Blueberries
You can garnish with any type of berries. I chose strawberries and blueberries, and extras are wonderful in my summer berry cobbler.
Powdered Sugar
A light dusting is the finishing touch.
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Cast Iron Griddle
Even heat browns each slice in about a minute per side.
Silicone Spatula Turners
A wide, flexible turner flips thick slices without tearing them.
Shallow Bowls
A wide, shallow bowl makes it easy to coat each side without soaking the bread.
Stainless Steel Whisk Set
Beats the eggs, milk and vanilla into a smooth batter.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
For the milk and vanilla.
Fine-Mesh Strainer
Gives you a light, even dusting of powdered sugar.
Glass Syrup Pitcher
Keeps the syrup on the French toast and off the table.
Strawberry Huller
Preps the strawberries in seconds.
Chef’s Knife
A sharp knife slices the strawberries cleanly.
Glass Prep Bowls
Hold the berries until you are ready to garnish.
Ceramic Serving Platter
A pretty platter makes a stack of French toast feel like brunch.
White Ceramic Coffee Mugs
For the coffee that belongs beside it.
How To Make Lactose-Free French Toast
The full recipe with amounts is in the card below, and here is how it comes together:
Step 1: Preheat the Griddle
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the vanilla extract, milk and salt.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter on the skillet or griddle.
Step 4: Coat the Bread
Place the bread into the batter to coat one side, then flip it over and coat the other side. You do not want to soak the bread, just have each side coated well.
Step 5: Cook Until Browned
Place the bread on the griddle and cook until nicely browned, usually about one minute per side.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with powdered sugar, syrup and your choice of berries.
Lactose-Free French Toast With Berries
Ingredients
- 8 slices Texas toast thick-sliced bread
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups lactose-free milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 4 teaspoons butter
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- powdered sugar for dusting
- syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the vanilla extract, milk and salt.
- Melt the butter on the skillet or griddle.
- Place a slice of bread into the batter to coat one side, then flip it over and coat the other side. You do not want to soak the bread, just have each side coated well with the batter.
- Place the bread on the griddle or skillet and cook until nicely browned, usually about one minute per side.
- Garnish with powdered sugar, syrup and your choice of berries.
Notes
KEEP HOSTING
More to make and share — indulgent French toasts, berry bakes, and fruity sips.
Stuffed French Toast
A rich, indulgent French toast for another sweet weekend morning.
Get the Recipe →
Very Berry French Toast Casserole
A make-ahead berry bake perfect for feeding a brunch crowd.
Get the Recipe →
The Best Strawberry Smoothie
A bright, fruity sip to round out a berry-topped breakfast.
Get the Recipe →Lactose-Free French Toast Variations
Once you have the method down, it is easy to change up:
Change the Berries
Raspberries and blackberries work just as well as strawberries and blueberries.
Add Cinnamon
Whisk a little ground cinnamon into the batter for a warmer flavor.
Use Brioche or Challah
Any thick-sliced bread works. Brioche and challah give a richer result.
Make It Stuffed
For a more indulgent brunch, try my stuffed French toast.
Make It for the Grown-Ups
For a brunch with friends, my spiked strawberry French toast adds a little something extra.
Add Bananas
Sliced bananas with the berries make it even more kid friendly.
When I Love Serving Lactose-Free French Toast
This recipe fits just about any time of day, and here is where it shows up most often at my table:
Family Breakfast
It is on the table in about 15 minutes, which makes it doable on a weekday.
Brunch With Friends
If you are hosting a brunch, it sits beautifully next to an epic crepe bar.
Breakfast for Dinner
You can never go wrong making French toast for dinner.
Weekend Mornings at Home
When we are not out at one of my favorite brunch spots in Atlanta, this is an easy brunch at home.
Holiday Mornings
Along with cinnamon rolls, it makes a holiday morning feel special.
When Guests Are Lactose Sensitive
Everyone at the table can enjoy the same plate, and no one can tell the difference.
What To Serve With Lactose-Free French Toast
This French toast can be paired with bacon, sausage, home fries or eggs, or enjoyed solo. Here are a few of my favorites:
Bacon or Sausage
A salty, savory side balances the sweet berries and syrup.
Egg Muffins
A batch of bacon, spinach and cheese egg muffins can be made ahead.
Spinach and Bacon Quiche
For a bigger brunch, add a spinach and bacon quiche.
A Strawberry Smoothie
A strawberry smoothie is a fresh, fruity sip alongside.
A Greek Yogurt Board
A Greek yogurt board adds something light to the table.
Lactose-Free French Toast Storage
Refrigerator
Store cooled French toast, without the toppings, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a toaster or a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until warmed through and crisp at the edges.
Freezer
Freeze slices in a single layer, then move them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the toaster or oven.
Lactose-Free French Toast FAQs
What is lactose-free milk?
It is regular cow’s milk with the lactose, the natural sugar in milk, removed or broken down so it is easier to digest.
Does lactose-free milk change the taste?
No. It cooks the same way and you will not be able to tell the difference.
Why is my French toast soggy?
The bread soaked too long. Coat each side quickly and move it straight to the griddle.
What bread is best?
Texas toast or any thick-sliced bread, since thin bread falls apart in the batter.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
No. Lactose-free milk and butter are still dairy. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and oil for the pan.
Can I use other berries?
Yes. Any berries you like will work.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this lactose-free French toast is quick, simple and every bit as good as the classic. It takes about 15 minutes, and it lets everyone at the table enjoy the same plate.
Be sure to let me know in the comments if you make it, and tell me which berries you chose!
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
