Go Back
- 4 slices of thick brioche or challah bread - 2 ripe bananas, sliced - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt - Maple syrup (for serving) - Optional: Chopped nuts or whipped cream for garnish Each ingredient in this recipe offers unique health benefits. - Brioche or Challah Bread: These breads provide energy through carbs. - Bananas: They are rich in potassium, which helps keep your heart healthy. - Eggs: Eggs are a great protein source and support muscle growth. - Milk: It provides calcium, which is vital for strong bones. - Cinnamon: This spice can help lower blood sugar levels and has antioxidant properties. - Butter: While it adds richness, use it in moderation for balanced nutrition. You can easily swap ingredients if needed. - Bread: Use whole grain or gluten-free bread for a different texture. - Bananas: Apples or pears can replace bananas for a new flavor. - Butter: Coconut oil can serve as a dairy-free option. - Milk: Almond or oat milk works well for a dairy-free choice. - Eggs: A flaxseed meal mix can replace eggs for a vegan option. - Brown Sugar: Use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bananas to the skillet. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the bananas. Gently stir to coat the bananas in the sugar. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften and caramelize. When they look golden and shiny, remove them from the heat and set aside. This step adds rich flavor and sweetness. In a mixing bowl, crack 2 large eggs. Pour in 1/2 cup of milk and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until well combined. This custard will soak into your bread, making it soft and tasty. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the hot skillet. Once the butter melts and coats the surface, dip each slice of thick brioche or challah bread into the custard mixture. Make sure both sides are well soaked. Place the soaked bread slices into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and crispy texture. Serve the French toast stacked high. Top with the caramelized bananas, drizzle with maple syrup, and add nuts or whipped cream if you like. Enjoy this sweet breakfast treat! To caramelize bananas, pick ripe ones. They should be soft and sweet. Use a medium heat. This helps the sugars melt slowly. First, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in your skillet. Then, add the sliced bananas. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top of the bananas. Stir gently, letting them cook for about 3-4 minutes. Watch them closely. You want them golden, not burnt. The bananas should soften and get a nice glaze. Once done, take them off the heat and set aside. For the best French toast, use thick slices of brioche or challah bread. These types soak up the custard well. Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Dip each slice into this mixture. Make sure to coat both sides. Let the bread soak for a few seconds. This adds to the creaminess. When cooking, keep the heat at medium. This helps the outside get golden brown while the inside stays soft. Flip each slice when it's crispy. Serve your French toast on a pretty plate. Stack the slices high for a nice look. Top with the warm caramelized bananas. Drizzle with maple syrup for sweetness. For an elegant touch, add chopped nuts or whipped cream on top. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar adds charm too. This makes your dish look and taste amazing. Enjoy the feast for your eyes and stomach! Pro Tips Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use day-old brioche or challah. Stale bread absorbs the custard better without getting too soggy. Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like fresh berries, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of nutmeg to elevate your French toast experience. Perfect Caramelization: Make sure to cook the bananas on medium heat to avoid burning the sugar. Stir gently to ensure even caramelization. Keep It Warm: If making multiple servings, keep the cooked French toast warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until you're ready to serve. {{image_2}} You can use many types of bread for this dish. Thick brioche or challah works great. But don’t stop there! You can try sourdough for a tangy twist. Whole wheat bread adds a nutty flavor. Even gluten-free bread can be used for a tasty option. Each bread type brings its own taste and texture. Experiment and find your favorite! There are many ways to boost flavor in this dish. You can add spices like nutmeg or cardamom. A touch of vanilla extract adds warmth. You can also try almond extract for a unique taste. A sprinkle of cocoa powder can give it a rich twist. These small changes can make your French toast even better. You can easily make this dish vegan. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Replace the eggs with a mix of flaxseed and water. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free bread. Make sure to check labels for hidden gluten. These swaps keep the flavor while meeting your needs. Enjoy your breakfast treat with peace of mind! To store leftover Caramelized Banana French Toast, let it cool first. Place the slices in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, use a skillet or griddle. Heat it over medium-low heat. Place the French toast slices on the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave if you're short on time. Warm them for 30 seconds, but they may lose some crispness. To freeze, wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. You can caramelize the bananas and store them in the fridge. Just cover them with plastic wrap. The next day, heat them in a pan before serving. You can also mix the custard a day in advance. Store it in the fridge. When ready, dip the bread, cook, and enjoy. If you need an egg substitute, use mashed bananas or applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of either for one egg. You can also try flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. This works well to bind the ingredients. To make this French toast healthier, use whole grain bread instead of brioche or challah. You can also reduce the sugar in the caramelized bananas. Instead of butter, use a small amount of coconut oil or a non-stick spray. Add fresh fruit on top for extra nutrients and flavor. In this post, we explored how to make Caramelized Banana French Toast. We covered key ingredients and their benefits, plus smart substitutes. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips to perfect your dish. You can also try variations with different bread and flavors. Consider how you’ll store leftovers and reheat them for the best taste. This dish is easy to make ahead too. Embrace these ideas to enjoy a tasty meal that you can share with others.

Caramelized Banana French Toast

Delicious French toast topped with caramelized bananas and maple syrup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices thick brioche or challah bread
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 serving Maple syrup (for serving)
  • 1 optional Chopped nuts or whipped cream for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing the caramelized bananas: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced bananas to the skillet, sprinkle the brown sugar over them, and gently stir to coat the bananas. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined to create the custard mixture.
  • Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface.
  • Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are well soaked.
  • Once the skillet is hot, place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • On each serving plate, stack the golden brown French toast slices. Top generously with the caramelized banana mixture.
  • Drizzle with maple syrup and, if desired, garnish with chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

Notes

Serve on a decorative plate and garnish with cinnamon or powdered sugar.
Keyword banana, breakfast, French toast