Caramelized Banana French Toast

$- 4 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah) - 2 ripe bananas, sliced - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - Maple syrup for serving - Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional) To make Caramelized Banana French Toast, you need a few simple ingredients. First, choose thick bread, like brioche or challah. These types soak up the egg mixture well and add flavor. You will also need ripe bananas. They should be sweet and soft for the best results. Next, gather your eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. These ingredients create a rich and tasty batter. The brown sugar adds sweetness, while vanilla and cinnamon give a warm flavor. You’ll also need unsalted butter for cooking. It adds a nice richness to the toast. Finally, have maple syrup ready for drizzling on top. Fresh mint leaves make a lovely garnish, but they are optional. With these ingredients, you can create a delightful and tasty breakfast treat that everyone will enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} In a medium bowl, I start by whisking together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. I mix until fully blended. This mixture creates a rich and flavorful base for the toast. Next, I heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. I add 1/2 tablespoon of unsalted butter, letting it melt and coat the skillet. I dip each slice of thick bread, like brioche or challah, into the egg mixture. I make sure both sides are coated well. After the excess drips off, I place the bread on the skillet. I cook the slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, I remove the French toast from the skillet and keep it warm. In the same skillet, I add the remaining butter and 2 sliced ripe bananas. I let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. I watch closely as they caramelize, turning golden brown and becoming tender. The smell is amazing, and the bananas add a sweet touch to the dish. For the best Caramelized Banana French Toast, pick thick slices of bread. Brioche and challah are top choices. Brioche is soft and buttery, while challah has a slightly sweet taste. Both absorb the egg mixture well, leading to a perfect texture. If you want a crispier bite, try a sturdy sourdough or whole-grain bread. To caramelize bananas correctly, start with ripe bananas. They should have some brown spots. This means they are sweet and soft. Cut the bananas into even slices. Heat your skillet to medium, and add butter until it melts. Place the banana slices in the skillet without crowding them. Cook for about two to three minutes. You want them golden brown and tender. Don’t rush this step; the longer they cook, the sweeter they get. When serving Caramelized Banana French Toast, think about toppings. Maple syrup is a must; it adds sweetness that pairs well. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts for crunch. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, add color and flavor. A dollop of whipped cream can make it feel extra special. For a pop of color, add fresh mint leaves as a garnish. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: Use thick slices of brioche or challah for a rich and fluffy texture that holds the egg mixture well. Perfectly Caramelized Bananas: Allow the bananas to cook undisturbed for the first minute to achieve a nice golden color before gently flipping them. Keep it Warm: After cooking, place the french toast on a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F) to keep it warm while you cook the rest. Enhance Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for an extra layer of warmth and spice that complements the bananas beautifully. {{image_2}} You can make your Caramelized Banana French Toast even more fun. Try adding nuts or chocolate! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle chocolate chips on top of your caramelized bananas. The heat will melt them, making your dish extra tasty. Another great idea is to use flavored syrups or sauces. Instead of maple syrup, try caramel or chocolate sauce. You could even use fruit syrups, like strawberry or raspberry. These flavors will change your French toast into a new treat. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Look for brands that suit your taste. You can still enjoy the same great flavor and texture with the right bread. For vegan alternatives, swap the eggs and milk. Use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute. Almond milk or oat milk works well instead of dairy milk. You can still achieve that creamy goodness without animal products. You can serve this dish in fun ways. One idea is to make a breakfast casserole. Layer the bread, egg mixture, and caramelized bananas in a baking dish. Bake it until it's set and golden. This way, you can feed a crowd easily. If you want a twist, serve it as dessert. Use a scoop of ice cream on top of the warm French toast. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for a sweet finish. This makes it a fun treat for any time of day! To keep your Caramelized Banana French Toast fresh, store it in the fridge. First, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place the slices in an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy this treat later! When you want to eat leftover French toast, reheating it right is key. For the best texture, use a skillet. Heat it on medium-low heat. Add a tiny bit of butter to the pan. Place the slices in and warm for a few minutes on each side. This method keeps the toast soft and tasty. In the fridge, Caramelized Banana French Toast lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 2 months. Just remember, the sooner you eat it, the better it tastes! Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Prepare the egg mixture: Whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Slice the bread: Cut your bread into thick slices. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. - Caramelized bananas: Cook the bananas just before serving. They taste best fresh. Reheating French Toast can be easy. Here are methods to keep it tasty: - Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French Toast on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes. - Skillet method: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a little butter and warm each slice for about 2-3 minutes per side. - Microwave method: Place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds at a time. This may make it soft but is quick. You can easily boost the nutrition of this dish. Try these ideas: - Whole grain bread: Swap regular bread for whole grain or whole wheat bread. - Add fruit: Toss in some berries or nuts for more fiber and vitamins. - Use low-fat milk: Substitute whole milk with low-fat or almond milk. - Reduce sugar: Cut down on brown sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Caramelized Banana French Toast is a delicious treat made with simple ingredients. You can combine ripe bananas with thick slices of bread for a special breakfast. Follow the steps to whisk the egg mixture, cook the bread, and caramelize the bananas. Choose the right bread for the best flavor and try different toppings. Store any leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This dish is not just for breakfast; it can be a great dessert, too. Get creative with flavors and enjoy this delightful meal at any time!$

Delicious French toast topped with caramelized bananas.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Ingredients

4 slices thick bread (brioche or challah)
2 large ripe bananas, sliced
2 large eggs
0.5 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
to taste maple syrup for serving
optional fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of butter, letting it melt and coat the surface.
Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Let the excess drip off before placing the bread on the skillet.
Cook the bread slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the french toast from the skillet and keep warm.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sliced bananas. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the bananas to caramelize until golden brown and tender.
To serve, place two slices of french toast on a plate, top with a generous portion of caramelized bananas, and drizzle with maple syrup. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Notes

Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.

Keyword banana, breakfast, French toast