French toast lovers get ready for your new favorite breakfast recipe! This lightened-up, high protein french toast is made with sweet, crispy, golden brown bread topped with powdered sugar, sticky sweet syrup and fresh, tart berries!
If you’re looking for the best lightened up version of the traditional breakfast classic, look no further! This protein french toast recipe is seriously so good and packs an extra protein punch.
It’s super simple to make and is an excellent meal prep or weekend brunch choice. Plus, the best part is this recipe reheats LIKE A DREAM (dare I say it’s even better?) Just pop in the air fryer for a few minutes and enjoy the best crispy on outside, fluffy soft in the middle, protein-packed healthy breakfast!
This recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and is made with simple, easy to find ingredients (you probably already have on hand!) It’s also easily customizable to be gluten-free and is dairy-free as written. Plus, the serving options are endless!
For additional protein, I love serving this recipe with a side of eggs or bacon. For extra fiber, add chia seeds or berries overtop or serve alongside fresh fruit. If you’re really looking to take things up a notch, sprinkle some chocolate chips or melted peanut butter over your french toast for the most indulgent sweet breakfast!
Another great perk of this recipe is that it’s a great way to to use up stale bread or bread that’s starting to dry out! Just dunk your bread slice right into the egg mixture and it will soak up all the french toast batter goodness and bring your bread back to life!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS PROTEIN FRENCH TOAST
- The best sweet, crispy, golden brown bread topped with sweet powdery sugar and maple syrup.
- Perfect for meal prep breakfast or weekend brunch!
- Taste just like traditional french toast but only 200 calories and 18 grams of protein per serving.
- Easily reheats in the air fryer so you can make several batches at a time!
- A delicious breakfast made with simple, staple ingredients!
INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Brioche bread – I honestly think brioche bread tastes the best for any french toast recipe. But gluten-free bread, whole wheat bread, white bread, or any other bread of your choice would also work.
- Eggs – Two large eggs work just perfect to bring that traditional golden color that is classic for french toast. But you can use all eggs or all egg whites if you prefer (see FAQ section).
- Egg whites – I used egg whites from the carton for convenience but you can separate the yolk and whites from a fresh egg and use that too. Or just use whole eggs.
- Milk – I used almond milk for this recipe but you can use any milk of choice here!
- Protein powder – I used PEScience Vanilla protein powder (code Laurenfitfoodie to save!) but any protein should work here so just use your favorite protein powder. But make sure it’s one you like the taste and flavor of since that will shine through in this french toast recipe. Use a plant-based dairy-free protein powder if needed.
- Vanilla extract
- Sweetener – I used liquid stevia. You can also use and granular sweetener of choice. Taste batter and adjust amount to sweetness!
- Cinnamon
OPTIONAL VARIATIONS & DIETARY ADAPTIONS
- Switch up the protein powder: Vanilla is a classic choice but you can use cinnamon, snickerdoodle, cake batter, chocolate – any flavor of choice that you wish to make this protein french toast into!
- Even higher protein: If you’re looking for even more protein, try using a high protein bread and Fairlife milk or Fairlife protein shake instead of almond milk.
- Lower calorie: Instead of classic brioche bread, use thin sliced bread like Dave’s thin sliced or Sara Lee thin sliced. Use sugar-pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup for topping.
- To make gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread of choice. I have heard great things about this gluten–free challah option!
- To make dairy-free: Use dairy-free milk (I used unsweetened almond milk) but cashew or oat works too. Also ensure your protein powder is dairy-free.
EQUIPMENT
- Nonstick skillet or pancake griddle
- Mixing bowl – wide enough to dip the bread slices (casserole dish also works for this)
- Whisk
HOW TO MAKE PROTEIN FRENCH TOAST
EXPERT TIPS
Prep in bulk: I love making a double batch of this french toast and freezing half to pull out later.
Beat to prevent clumping: If your protein powder tends to clump easily or if you just want the protein powder to mix in smoother without any clumps, you can beat with a hand mixer or immersion blender instead of using a whisk.
To store: Let french toast cool completely then place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, place french toast in an air tight, freezer safe, ziploc bag for up to 3 months.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH PROTEIN FRENCH TOAST?
- Fruit – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc! Fresh or frozen both work great!
- Bacon or sausage – serve up with crispy bacon, turkey bacon or some Homemade Turkey Sausage Patties for a more hearty breakfast.
- Eggs or egg whites – serve alongside whole eggs for additional fat (and healthy benefits) or egg whites for straight protein.
- Greek yogurt or cottage cheese – another great protein-packed option!
- Chocolate chips – swap out the berries for mini chocolate chips for an extra sweet breakfast.
- Peanut butter – I love drizzling melted peanut butter (or any nut butter) on top for additional healthy fats.
- Maple syrup – use a sugar free pancake syrup for lower calorie/lower sugar or pure maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Powered sugar – adds a tiny amount of sweetness but makes it feel so fancy!
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REHEAT FRENCH TOAST?
Just like my Protein French Toast Sticks, I definitely think this anabolic french toast is best reheated in the air fryer! The next best option would probably be toaster or toaster oven, followed by skillet or oven. I would avoid the microwave for reheating if you can help it, which is more likely to make the french toast rubbery.
- To reheat in air fryer: First spray all over with cooking spray then air fry at 350F for 2-3 minutes or until slightly crispy and warmed through.
- To reheat in a skillet: Spray all over with cooking spray and saute on both sides for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
- To reheat in the oven: Spray with cooking spray and warm in preheated 350F oven for 6-8 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQ: PROTEIN FRENCH TOAST
I think brioche or challah bread works best for the most french toast recipes. But the type of slice of bread you use is very versatile in this recipe. Gluten-free bread, whole grain bread, white bread, or any other type of bread of your preference will work.
Store this french toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Yes! These french toast sticks make the best sweet high protein breakfast. I recommend making a large batch and storing in the refrigerator or freezer to have ready when you need a quick and easy breakfast at home or on-the-go.
I absolutely recommend reheating this french toast in the air fryer if you have one! Just spray the protein french toast all over with cooking spray and reheat at 350F for 2-3 minutes or until warm and crisp. If you don’t have an air fryer, you next best option would be reheating in a toaster or toaster oven. You can also reheat in the oven or in a skillet. See above for recommended times.
You can freeze this french toast in an air tight, freezer safe, ziploc bag for up to 3 months.
I promise the protein powder mixes with the egg mixture beautifully and adds a delightfully sweet taste to this anabolic french toast! But you can 100% make this protein french toast without protein powder if you wish, you do you! Try adding some greek yogurt on top or serving alongside some eggs for some extra protein instead.
This protein french toast fits beautifully into a healthy diet. Many people consume far too little protein and unlike traditional french toast recipes, this protein french toast is packed with protein, making it a complete and balanced breakfast that will leave you satisfied until lunch. If using a bread with low fiber, I would recommend serving with some berries for some extra fiber (and nutrients!)
Yes. Instead of both you can use just 3/4 cup of egg whites or just 4 whole eggs.
MORE PROTEIN PACKED BREAKFAST RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
WANT TO MAKE THIS RECIPE?
If you try this protein french toast recipe and love it, please rate this recipe!
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Protein French Toast
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick brioche bread use gluten-free bread, whole wheat bread, white bread, or any other bread of your choice
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup egg whites (80g)
- 1/4 cup almond milk (60g) or milk of choice
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (62g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp liquid stevia or sweetener of choice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Optional for Serving
- Butter use dairy-free if needed
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup or sugar free pancake syrup
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients (except the bread) to a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Working one slice at a time, dip each slice into the mixture and set on a plate.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray and add the french toast in a single layer, not touching. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until browned to liking.
- Serve with a pat of butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup and fresh berries (or whatever toppings you choose) and enjoy!
This recipe is quick simple and delicious! I paired it with seasonal fruit 🙌
I love it!! So so perfect with some fruit😋
Great breakfast if you need energy for a morning workout or if you have a busy job and need to stay full for a while! So delicious and a family favorite! Lauren does it again!
Seriously such an energizing breakfast!! I’m glad the family loves this one!😋