Banana French Toast Recipe

Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and a creamy texture to the French toast batter.

Non-dairy milk: This serves as the liquid base for the batter, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

Vanilla extract: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the bananas and cinnamon.

Ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note that enhances the overall taste.

Bread: Stale bread works best as it absorbs the batter without becoming too soggy.

Coconut oil: Used for cooking the French toast, it adds a subtle coconut flavor and ensures the bread gets a nice, golden crust.

For an extra crispy texture, try using day-old bread or sourdough instead of fresh bread. The slightly drier texture will absorb the banana mixture better and result in a more satisfying crunch when cooked.

• ripe bananas - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce provides a similar sweetness and moisture to the recipe, making it a good alternative for binding and flavor.

• non-dairy milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor that complements the dish well.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but equally delightful flavor profile that pairs nicely with the other ingredients.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other warm spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.

• stale bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread has a firm texture and tangy flavor that works well for French toast, especially when slightly stale.

• coconut oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a suitable alternative for cooking the French toast.

• Allow the banana French toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the toast soggy.

• Place the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step ensures they freeze individually and don't stick together.

• Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze the slices for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm.

• Once the slices are frozen, remove them from the baking sheet and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the slices in a toaster or toaster oven. This method is quicker and will give you a nice, crispy texture.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may result in a softer texture.

• For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the refrigerated slices in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and crispy.

• Serve with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the banana French toast slices on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the toast's crispy exterior.
• For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Set it to medium heat and toast the slices for 3-5 minutes. This will give you a nice, crispy texture without drying out the banana French toast.
• If you prefer using a microwave, place the slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Be cautious, as this method may make the banana French toast a bit soggy.
• Reheat on the stovetop by placing the slices in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of coconut oil to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until warmed through and slightly crispy.
• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the banana French toast slices in a single layer. Heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a perfectly crispy and warm result.

• Blender: To combine the bananas, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon into a smooth mixture.

• Shallow dish: To hold the blended mixture for dipping the bread slices.

• Skillet: To cook the bread slices until they are golden brown.

• Spatula: To flip the bread slices in the skillet.

• Measuring cups: To measure the non-dairy milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.

• Knife: To cut the bread slices if needed.

• Cutting board: To place the bread slices while preparing.

• Serving plate: To serve the cooked French toast with your favorite toppings.

Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas blend more easily and add natural sweetness, reducing the need for additional sweeteners.

Pre-mix the batter: Blend the banana mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. This way, you can start cooking immediately in the morning.

Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the mixture better, ensuring even coating and quicker cooking.

Heat the skillet first: Preheat your skillet while preparing the bread to save time and ensure even cooking.

Batch cook: Cook multiple slices of French toast at once if your skillet is large enough.