This easy banana french toast recipe brings a sweet twist to your morning routine!
Featuring thick brioche soaked in banana-cinnamon batter, it’s absolutely drool-worthy.
Fried until golden and drowned in maple syrup, this is a breakfast worth getting up early for. And thanks to the bananas, it’s healthy…right?
Easy Banana French Toast
This French toast recipe levels up your weekend breakfast like no other.
Every slice of thick brioche gets infused with warm banana and cinnamon from edge to center.
That’s right! The banana isn’t just sliced on top – it’s mashed and mixed right into the custard!
That gives this sweet treat an even deeper, sweeter, and more tropical flavor.
Yet, despite being rich and indulgent, it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Simply dip bread in banana custard and fry to perfection. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with powdered sugar for the perfect finish.
Believe me, it’s about to be your new favorite brunch dish!
Ingredients
Ready to devour some tasty banana French toast?
Here’s a lineup of ingredients you’ll need.
- Ripe Bananas: The riper and softer they are, the sweeter they are. But you’ll want firmer fruit for the topping.
- Thick-Cut Bread: Brioche or challah works well here. They offer a soft, pillowy texture that soaks up the batter without falling apart.
- Eggs and Whole Milk: The rich glue that holds the batter together and turns it into creamy custard.
- Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Salt: For sweet warmth and aromatic depth. And the salt balances those beautifully.
- Butter: For frying, because nothing beats the golden, crispy edges it gives your French toast.
- Maple Syrup and Powdered Sugar: The finishing touches. Maple syrup brings its classic, rich flavor. Powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and and added layer of sweetness.
The full list with measurements is at the bottom of the page.
How to Make Banana French Toast
I know I said this is a great weekend or brunch recipe, but it’s so quick you can have it any day of the week!
Here’s how to make it:
1. Make the custard. Combine mashed bananas with eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
2. Slice and soak the bread. Cut it thick so it doesn’t fall apart. Then, dip each piece fully into the batter, making sure both sides and well coated.
3. Fry in butter for 3-5 minutes per side or until golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
4. Plate, garnish, and serve. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best French Toast with Banana
If you’ve never made French toast before, don’t worry. It’s a lot easier than it looks.
Plus, I have a few tips for making the ultimate banana French toast!
- Pick the right fruit. For the custard, you want soft, ripe bananas because they’re extra sweet. But if you’re adding sliced bananas for garnish, you’ll want ripe but firm fruit.
- Choose the right bread: Thick slices of brioche or challah soak up the egg mixture just right without falling apart. Don’t use pre-sliced bread, as it’s not thick enough.
- Use a blender for a smooth batter: Just toss the ingredients in, blend until smooth, then let it rest for a few minutes.
- Don’t over-soak the bread: Aim for about 10 seconds per side to prevent sogginess.
- Grease the pan well: A bit of butter ensures golden perfection – even in nonstick pans.
- Use a large skillet for big batches: This saves time by cooking more slices at once.
- Flip with a fish spatula: Its thin, slotted design is perfect for handling the soaked bread.
- Clean the pan between batches: Carefully wipe it with paper towels to remove any bits. This step keeps each slice looking and tasting fresh.
Recipe Variations
Spice up your banana French toast with these creative twists:
- No bananas? Use applesauce or blend other fruits, such as strawberries or peaches.
- Go dairy-free: Any non-dairy milk fits perfectly in this recipe.
- Warm up with spices: Pumpkin pie spice adds a cozy, aromatic flavor. Or you could try a pinch of ginger, cardamom, or cloves.
- Diversify the toppings: Elevate your dish with whipped cream, blueberry sauce, chopped nuts, or a chocolate glaze.
- Add mini chocolate chips: Sprinkle them over the freshly cooked toast, and they’ll melt slightly, adding a sweet, chocolatey surprise with every bite.
- Try almond extract: Swap out vanilla for almond extract to introduce a subtle, nutty aroma.
- Cook with bacon grease: It adds a savory twist that complements the sweet banana flavor.
Here’s another fun option: a Banana French Toast Sandwich:
- Make the egg mixture as the recipe states.
- Take two pieces of bread and spread peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, or Nutella on one side of each.
- Add fresh banana slices to one piece and place the other piece on top, like a sandwich.
- Pinch the edges together. Then, dip it in the egg mixture and proceed with the recipe.
How to Store
This recipe makes 8 slices. And it’s so good, I don’t see you having leftovers.
But if you do, here’s how to store them for the next day:
To Store: Place cooled French toast in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
To Freeze: Freeze cold slices on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months.
To Reheat: Reheat cold or frozen leftovers in the toaster or toaster oven until heated through.
More Easy French Toast Recipes
Brioche French Toast
McCormick French Toast
Buttermilk French Toast
IHOP French Toast
Cracker Barrel French Toast
Banana French Toast
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minutesThis banana french toast recipe brings a sweet twist to your morning routine! Featuring thick brioche soaked in banana-cinnamon batter, it’s drool-worthy.
Ingredients
4 ripe bananas, divided
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch salt
8 slices thick-cut bread like brioche or challah
2 tablespoons butter, for frying
Maple syrup, for serving
Powdered sugar for dusting, optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mash 2 ripe, soft bananas with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until well blended. Add the mashed bananas and whisk until fully combined.
- Dip each bread slice into the batter, flipping them to ensure even coating. Let each side soak for about 10 seconds.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. When it’s just beginning to bubble, add the bread slices. Work in batches if needed. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the French toast from the skillet, add more butter, and repeat with the remaining slices. While the toast cooks, slice 2 ripe but firm bananas for garnish.
- Plate the French toast with a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh banana slices, and powdered sugar, if using. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choose the right bread: Thick slices of brioche or challah soak up the egg mixture just right without falling apart. Don’t use pre-sliced bread, as it’s not thick enough.
- Pick the right fruit. For the custard, you want soft, ripe bananas because they’re extra sweet. But if you’re adding sliced bananas for garnish, you’ll want ripe but firm fruit.
- Don’t over-soak the bread: Aim for about 10 seconds per side to prevent sogginess.
