Banana bread stuffed French toast is a delightful twist on classic breakfast fare. This dish features thick slices of moist banana bread filled with a rich, eggy custard mixture. It’s not just any French toast; it combines the sweetness of ripe bananas and the warm spices of cinnamon, making it a cozy meal perfect for weekends or special occasions. The unique combination of textures, from the soft bread to the creamy filling, creates a delicious experience that will make your mornings brighter. Plus, it’s a perfect use for leftover banana bread, turning a simple dish into a delicious gourmet breakfast that everyone will love. With this recipe, you are guaranteed a dish that is easy to prepare yet impressively satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Uses Leftovers: A great way to use up leftover banana bread.
- Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of banana bread and the stuffing creates an indulgent treat.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite ingredients, such as nuts or chocolate chips.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch, breakfast, or a cozy dinner, this dish fits right in.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the bananas will appeal to children and adults alike!
- Comfort Food: It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for a cold morning or a rainy day.
Ingredients
- 4 slices banana bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
Directions
Preparation Steps
- Gather Your Ingredients: Get all your ingredients ready on the counter for an easy cooking experience.
- Mix the Custard: In a medium bowl, crack the two large eggs. Add 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Prepare the Banana Bread: Take your banana bread slices and lay them flat on a surface. If the banana bread is very fresh, you might want to let it sit out for a few minutes to dry out slightly, as stale bread works best for French toast.
- Layer the Bananas: Place the sliced ripe bananas on two of the banana bread slices, ensuring they cover the surface well. Top with the other two banana bread slices to create a sandwich.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
- Soak the Sandwiches: Carefully dip each banana bread sandwich into the custard mixture on both sides, ensuring they are well-coated but not soaked through.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked sandwiches in the heated skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Add More Butter: If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan while cooking the second side.
- Serve Warm: Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let them cool slightly before slicing in half. Serve with more banana slices or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Tips and Variations
Helpful Tips
- Ripeness of Bananas: Make sure to use very ripe bananas as they are sweeter and mash more easily. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe.
- Bread Choice: If you don’t have banana bread, try using another flavor, like cinnamon raisin or French bread.
- Add Some Crunch: For added texture, consider sprinkling in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips in the banana layers before closing the sandwich.
- Egg Alternatives: If you want to avoid eggs, you can try using a mixture of ground flaxseed and water as a binding agent. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk to make it dairy-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Soaking Too Long: Don’t let the bread soak too long in the custard mixture. This can make the bread soggy.
- Cooking Temperature: If your pan is too hot, you might burn the outside before the inside cooks through. Keep the heat at a medium level for even cooking.
Suggestions for Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk. You can also use a banana or apple sauce to add moisture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free banana bread, and be sure that any other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To store leftovers, place any uneaten banana bread stuffed French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat them in a toaster oven for a crispier result, or simply use the microwave if you prefer a quicker method.
If you want to serve this dish for special occasions, consider topping it with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious breakfast. Fresh berries or fried apples can also be a delicious addition.
For brunch parties, you can prepare the stuffed French toast ahead of time and then heat them for serving. They pair wonderfully with a side of crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a balanced meal.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought banana bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought banana bread can be a convenient option. Just make sure it’s not too moist so that it holds up well when making French toast.
How do I know when the French toast is cooked properly?
The French toast is cooked when both sides are golden brown and the center is warm and fluffy. If you want to ensure it’s heated through, you can slice it in half to check before serving.
Can I freeze banana bread French toast?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked French toast for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in a toaster or skillet.
Is this dish healthy?
While banana bread stuffed French toast is a treat, you can make it healthier by using whole grain banana bread, reducing the amount of butter, or adding extras like nuts or seeds to increase the nutritional value.
Can I add other fillings to the stuffed French toast?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with fillings. Consider adding nut butter, cream cheese, chocolate chips, or even fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries for more flavor.
Print
Banana Bread Stuffed French Toast
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on classic breakfast fare, combining moist banana bread with a rich custard mixture, perfect for weekends and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 slices banana bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients on the counter for an easy cooking experience.
- In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and add milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Lay banana bread slices flat on a surface. If fresh, let sit for a few minutes to dry out slightly.
- Place sliced bananas on two of the banana bread slices, then top with the other slices to create a sandwich.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding 1 tablespoon of butter to melt.
- Dip each sandwich into the custard mixture on both sides until well-coated.
- Cook the soaked sandwiches in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of butter while cooking the second side.
- Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve warm with additional banana slices or maple syrup.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and texture. This recipe is versatile; feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: breakfast, French toast, banana bread, brunch, comfort food