Level up your French toast game with this restaurant-worthy breakfast at home in minutes! This simple banana french toast recipe uses challah bread dunked in a mixture of ripe banana, eggs, vanilla, and a kiss of almond extract. Pan fry in butter on the stovetop until golden for the most sublime naturally sweet banana french toast ever! A favorite with kids, too.
It never ceases to bamboozle me what one can do with a humble ripe nanner.
I may be known for a killer healthy banana recipe, but mashing that spotty, somewhat sad guy on the counter and transforming him into french toast Prince Charming has gotta some of my best magic yet.
Would you believe me if I said you don't even need milk here? Just some gorgeous challah, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and the secret flavor weapon from my apple french toast casserole...almond extract.
My baby shoved this in his face faster that I knew possible and my toddler devoured it [with whipped cream]. Dreams really do come true!
Ingredients
- Bananas: An extra ripe banana means you don't even need added sugar in this recipe. They sizzle on contact with the hot butter and get all sorts of caramelized and dreamy.
- Challah: I really love Challah here because it's sweeter and made with lots of eggs, which leads to extra deliciousness. You can use French or Italian or sourdough bread if you don't have challah. Using sandwich bread wouldn't be a crime, but we can do better now can't we?
- Eggs: Eggs are key in French toast to create that custard-like coating. Yum.
- Vanilla extract and cinnamon: The more vanilla and cinnamon the merrier, ya know?
- Almond extract: This make takes this recipe to extraordinary status, seriously. I tested it without and it's not the same!
Let's make it! (step by step)
Place banana in a shallow bowl or rectangular baking dish. Mash well with a fork.
Add eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond extract to the dish.
Whisk to combine.Heat a large skillet with butter.
Dunk bread slices in mixture, flipping to make sure they're well coated
Add bread and cook for 1-2 minutes per side.
Serve hot!
Can I make it ahead?
I wouldn't recommend making this ahead since the banana would oxidize asnd turn brown. It's quick to make and best made day of!
This recipe makes 3 servings but it can easily be doubled.
Topping ideas
I keep this one simple with a dusting of powdered sugar and berries for a pop of color. It's sweet enough on it's own but you can drizzle with pure maple syrup if you fancy.
A smear of peanut butter and sprinkle of chocolate chips would also be divine! And maybe some salty bacon on the side? Go big or go home.
Let me know if you make this one! I adore hearing your feedback.
Print
10-Minute Caramelized Banana French Toast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grab your crusty bread and enjoy a hotel-worthy breakfast at home in minutes! This simple banana french toast recipe uses challah bread dunked in a mixture of ripe banana, eggs, vanilla, and a kiss of almond extract. Pan fry in butter until golden for the most sublime naturally sweet banana french toast ever! A favorite with kids, too.
Ingredients
- 3 large slices challah bread* (or your favorite bread, older bread is ideal)
- 1 large overripe banana
- 2 large eggs
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 1 tbsp butter, for cooking
Instructions
- Place banana in a shallow bowl or rectangular baking dish. Mash well with a fork. (Alternatively, you can blend banana, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond extract in the blender.)
- Add eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond extract to the dish. Whisk to combine.
- Heat a large skillet over medium low heat. Once hot, add ½ tbsp butter.
- Dunk bread slices in mixture, flipping to make sure they're coated on both sides. (Don't let bread sit in the mixture for too long or it may fall apart and be too moist.)
- Once butter is melted and sizzling and spread all over the pan, add 1-2 bread slices. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until golden, then flip and cook another minute. Transfer to a plate.
- Melt another ½ tbsp butter and cook remaining bread. Serve with fruit and a dusting of powdered sugar if you're feeling fancy!
Notes
*if using a smaller/less thick sandwich bread, use 4 slices (or enough to use up all the batter)
Judy says
This was excellent. Used that over ripe banana and days old bread for a delicious breakfast.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Amazing, so glad to hear it Judy!
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks so much Rachelle!