Banana Bread French Toast
If there’s one breakfast dish that can elevate your mornings, it’s Banana Bread French Toast. Imagine the classic comfort of French toast, but with the delightful twist of banana bread. This recipe is not only a delicious way to use up those overripe bananas but also a simple, satisfying dish that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Perfect for lazy weekends or a special brunch, this dish is bound to become a staple in your breakfast rotation.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
There are countless reasons to whip up this Banana Bread French Toast over and over again. For one, it combines the best of two worlds: the rich, moist texture of banana bread and the warm, comforting flavors of classic French toast. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet Sunday morning or impressing guests during a brunch gathering. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste by using up those bananas that might otherwise go uneaten. And let’s not forget how easy it is to customize with your favorite toppings!
The Ingredient Lineup
To create this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread: Choose your favorite type; brioche or challah works wonderfully for a rich flavor.
- 1 large banana: The star of the show! Ripe bananas are best for that naturally sweet flavor.
- 1 large egg: This helps bind everything together.
- 1/2 cup milk: You can use reduced fat, whole milk, or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sweetener or sugar: Any sugar of choice will do; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For that warm, cozy flavor.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: A secret ingredient that enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese: For a creamy filling that pairs perfectly with banana.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt: Or any plain yogurt, to add a tangy element and creaminess.
- 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar: To sweeten the cream cheese mixture.
- Banana slices and pecans: For serving, adding extra flavor and texture.
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before diving into the cooking, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk: To beat the egg and mix the wet ingredients.
- Frying pan or griddle: For cooking the French toast to perfection.
- Spatula: To flip the toast without breaking it.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Knife and cutting board: To slice the banana and prepare the bread.
Banana Bread French Toast: From Prep to Plate
Let’s break down how to make this Banana Bread French Toast step-by-step.
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and confectioners’ sugar. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth. Set this mixture aside; it will become the luscious filling for your French toast.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, mash the large banana until creamy. Add the egg, milk, granulated sweetener, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the mashed banana. Whisk everything together until well-combined and slightly frothy.
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Take each slice of your chosen bread and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Allow any excess mixture to drip off before placing it on a plate.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat a frying pan or griddle over medium heat and add a little oil or butter to prevent sticking. Once hot, place the dipped bread slices onto the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Remove the cooked slices from the pan and spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture between two slices to create a delicious sandwich. Top with extra banana slices and sprinkle with pecans for added crunch. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired, for that extra touch of sweetness.
Budget & Availability Swaps
If you’re looking to make this dish more budget-friendly or if you can’t find certain ingredients, consider these swaps:
- Use any type of bread you have on hand; day-old bread works wonders for French toast.
- Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free spread for a lighter option.
- Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream or even a plant-based yogurt for a different flavor.
- If you don’t have ground cinnamon, try nutmeg or a pre-mixed pumpkin spice blend.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For an even more decadent experience, try adding chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling.
- Let the bread soak in the egg mixture for a minute or two to absorb more flavor.
- Keep the cooked French toast warm in an oven set to low while you finish cooking the remaining slices.
- Feel free to serve with other toppings like whipped cream or fresh berries for a fruity twist.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Store any uneaten Banana Bread French Toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave before serving again.
- The cream cheese filling can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Quick Questions
Can I make this French toast in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the egg mixture and cream cheese filling ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble when you’re ready to cook.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Brioche, challah, or any thick-sliced bread works best for Banana Bread French Toast, as they soak up the mixture beautifully without falling apart.
Can I freeze leftover French toast?
Absolutely! Allow the French toast to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use almond milk, a plant-based cream cheese, and a dairy-free yogurt alternative. This way, you can still enjoy the flavors of Banana Bread French Toast without the dairy!
Hungry for More?
Whether you’re a breakfast enthusiast or just someone who loves to indulge in sweet treats, this Banana Bread French Toast recipe is sure to please. The combination of banana and cinnamon, paired with the creamy filling, creates a breakfast dish that is as comforting as it is delicious. Give it a try and elevate your morning routine!
Banana Bread French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the cream cheese mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and confectioners’ sugar. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 2: Make the egg mixture. In another bowl, mash the large banana until creamy. Add the egg, milk, granulated sweetener, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well-combined and slightly frothy.
- Step 3: Dip the bread. Take each slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Allow excess to drip off.
- Step 4: Cook the French toast. Heat a frying pan or griddle over medium heat with oil or butter. Cook dipped bread slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Step 5: Assemble and serve. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese mixture between two slices to create a sandwich. Top with banana slices and sprinkle with pecans. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Add chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for extra decadence.
- Let bread soak in the egg mixture for 1-2 minutes for more flavor.
- Keep cooked French toast warm in a low oven while finishing the remaining slices.
- Serve with toppings like whipped cream or fresh berries for a fruity twist.
