Banana Bread French Toast
Perfectly golden-brown slices of banana bread transform into French toast, creating an indulgent breakfast. Each bite delivers warm cinnamon spice and rich custard-soaked goodness, while crispy edges give way to a soft center that melts in your mouth!
Variations & Substitutions
I find that this recipe works beautifully with different types of milk – almond milk creates a lighter version, while half-and-half produces an extra rich result.
For a vegan twist, use mashed banana mixed with plant milk and a bit of flaxseed meal as your dipping mixture.
You can also add crushed cornflakes for an amazing crunchy coating, or experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results
The key to success is starting with slightly dried-out banana bread – let it sit out for a day, or pop it in a low-temperature oven for a few hours. Don’t soak the bread too long; a quick dip is all you need.
Keep your pan at medium heat – too hot and you’ll burn the outside before the inside warms through. Add butter to the pan as needed to maintain that perfect golden crust.
Making the Recipe Stand Out
I recommend caramelizing some banana slices in butter and brown sugar while your French toast cooks – it creates an incredible topping. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts adds wonderful texture contrast.
For special occasions, I drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the top and dust with powdered sugar. Fresh berries bring a bright pop of color and flavor that balances the richness.
Storage & Reheating
This dish tastes best fresh, but leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to restore the crispy exterior.
You can also microwave briefly, though the texture won’t be quite the same. For longer storage, freeze the banana bread itself rather than the prepared French toast.
Banana Bread French Toast
Ingredients
- 8 slices banana bread ¾-inch thick
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a shallow dish.
- Dip each banana bread slice in the egg mixture, coating both sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
- Cook slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with maple syrup and optional toppings.
