Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready for a brunch treat that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple. With soft, warm bananas topping golden-crispy slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, this recipe delivers comfort, sweetness, and a little extra flair all in one dish. It’s a weekend favourite when you want more than just plain toast—but without endless fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 7–8 slices Texas-style thick bread (or similar)
• A few tablespoons salted butter, for cooking the French toast
• 2 bananas, sliced
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, for the caramelized bananas
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (optional)
• Maple syrup, for serving

Directions

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
2. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little salted butter.
3. Once the butter is bubbly (but not burnt), dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides (about 10 seconds per side is good).
4. Place the bread slices in the hot skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes on one side or until golden-brown, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes on the other side. Repeat until all slices are done, adding more butter as needed.
5. Transfer the cooked French toast to a plate and keep warm (you might cover by foil lightly).
6. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons salted butter and heat over medium. Add the sliced bananas (avoid overlapping them) and cook until the first side is golden brown, then flip to brown the other side. Once done, remove from heat.
7. Top the French toast with the caramelized banana slices. Sprinkle powdered sugar if using. Serve with generous maple syrup.
8. Enjoy immediately while warm.

Servings and timing

• Makes about 4 servings.
• Prep time: approximately 10 minutes.
• Cook time: approximately 20 minutes.
• Total time: about 30 minutes.

Variations

• Swap the bread: Use French bread, brioche, challah or cinnamon-raisin bread instead of Texas-style thick-cut.
• Switch the fruit topping: Use caramelised apples, pears or peaches instead of bananas.
• Add flavour: Stir a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest into the egg mixture for a citrusy twist.
• Go dairy-free: Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk (e.g., almond or oat) to adapt for dairy-free needs.
• Make it extra decadent: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: After cooking, let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisp the edges a bit. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or microwave—though microwave may soften the texture slightly.
• For longer storage: You may freeze cooked slices (separated by parchment between each slice) for up to a month. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster oven or skillet.

FAQs

What kind of bread works best?

Thicker-cut, slightly firm or day-old bread works best because it holds up when soaked in the egg mixture and won’t fall apart. Bread like Texas loaf, brioche, challah or regular white work well.

Can I use non-dairy milk or butter?

Yes — you can substitute plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) and vegan butter to make this dish dairy-free. The taste will still be rich and delicious.

How ripe should the bananas be for caramelising?

Use bananas that are ripe (yellow with a few brown spots) but not overly mushy. They should hold their shape when you slice and pan-fry them.

Can I prepare part of this recipe ahead of time?

You can slice the bananas ahead of time, but caramelise them right before serving for best texture and flavour. The French toast is best served fresh for crisp edges and warm centre.

What if my bread becomes soggy when soaking?

Avoid over-soaking. Dip for about 10 seconds per side (for thick slices). Very soft or day-old bread helps prevent sogginess because it soaks without collapsing.

Can I make this for a larger group?

Yes — simply double or triple the ingredients as needed. Use a larger griddle to cook more slices at once if you have one.

What toppings pair nicely with this dish?

Besides maple syrup and powdered sugar, you could add fresh berries, chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), a swirl of honey, or a spoonful of Greek yoghurt for a bit of tang.

How can I keep the French toast warm while finishing everything?

After cooking the slices, you can place them on a baking sheet in a low-oven setting (about 200 °F / 95 °C) or cover them lightly with foil and reserve on the stovetop off-heat while you caramelise the bananas.

Is this recipe suitable for brunch or just breakfast?

Absolutely suitable for both! It’s hearty enough for a leisurely brunch and impressive enough to serve guests, yet simple to make for a weekend breakfast.

Can I omit the maple syrup if I prefer less sweetness?

Yes. The caramelised bananas already contribute sweetness and flavour. If you want less sweet overall, you can drizzle just a little syrup or skip it entirely—maybe serve with plain yoghurt or a fruit compote instead.

Conclusion

This Caramelized Banana French Toast is the kind of breakfast (or brunch) dish you’ll want to repeat. With cinnamon-vanilla soaked bread, crispy golden edges, and sweet, butter-kissed bananas on top, it strikes a perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a relaxed weekend meal or treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers flavour, texture and warmth — all in roughly 30 minutes. Enjoy the process and savour every bite.

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