Caramelized Banana French Toast
Alright, friends, let me tell you—this Caramelized Banana French Toast is basically the breakfast equivalent of a warm hug wrapped in golden, crispy bread and sweet, gooey bananas. The moment those bananas hit the hot pan and start turning golden brown, caramelizing into sticky little pockets of goodness, your kitchen will smell like the coziest morning ever. I’m talking about thick, custardy bread slices soaked perfectly, then topped with bananas that bring just the right amount of sweetness and a tiny bit of crunch from the caramelization. And the best part? It’s ridiculously simple to pull off, even if you’re half-asleep at the stove. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at regular French toast the same way again.
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 6 slices thick bread (brioche or challah work best)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
For the Banana Topping:
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: a splash of rum or vanilla extract
How I Make It
Step 1:
First, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl or pie dish. This will be the bath for our bread to soak in, so make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Meanwhile, dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, letting it soak for about 20 seconds on each side. Don’t oversoak or the bread will fall apart—just enough to soak it through but still hold shape.
Step 3:
Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
Step 4:
While the French toast is cooking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in another pan over medium heat. Add the sliced bananas, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir gently and let the bananas caramelize for 3-4 minutes, turning golden and soft but not mushy. If you want, add a splash of rum or vanilla for a little extra flavor depth.
Step 5:
Once the French toast slices are perfectly browned, transfer them to plates and spoon the warm caramelized bananas on top.
Step 6:
For the final touch, drizzle any extra buttery pan sauce over the toast and bananas. If you like, dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy every warm, sweet bite!
Variations & Tips
- Use thick slices of stale bread—the slight dryness helps soak up the custard beautifully.
- Swap out bananas for caramelized peaches or apples if you want a seasonal twist.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar or leave it out and add honey or maple syrup at serving.
- For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan when caramelizing bananas; this ensures nice even caramelization without steaming.
How I Like to Serve It
I adore this French toast on a lazy weekend morning alongside a strong cup of coffee or spiced chai. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings where you want to impress without too much fuss. During fall and winter, I’ll sometimes sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg into the custard mixture to amp up those cozy vibes even more.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven to keep crispiness.
- If your bread is very fresh and soft, consider toasting it lightly before soaking to prevent sogginess.
Closing: Every bite of this Caramelized Banana French Toast feels like a little celebration of sweet, buttery mornings, and that’s exactly why I keep making it again and again.
